Tom Lynch

The endlessly prolific San Diego singer and musician Rob Crow has just released another solo record, called "Living Well" (Temporary Resistance), to complement his four other solo releases, as well as his countless records with bands like Optiganally Yours, Thingy, Goblin Cock, The Ladies and, perhaps most well-known, Pinback. While "Living Well" sounds indeed like it could be an offshoot of a Pinback member, the bedroom-like recording quality--which oddly, somehow, lends itself to Crow's low-end hum of a voice and sometimes sudden attack of complicated guitar work--adds a more personal layer to the artist's delivery. The music's laid back, along with his vocal musings. Nothing's rushed. He has all the time in the world.

"I try to make everything personal," he says of his work. "[I guess I] don't always succeed."

He's certainly succeeded on "Living Well," as he so casually sings songs about his wife, their uniting and, ultimately, the birth of their son. That, plus two versions of "I Hate You, Rob Crow"--the first, one-minute-and-thirteen-seconds version, and another, the hilariously titled "(Single Version)," which basically just adds a guitar solo.

Though he recorded the album all by himself, playing all the instruments, he's excited about the band he's put together for the tour. "So far, we're getting used to it. [Last night] was only the second time we've all played as a band. But I feel pretty confident about the band--it's the best band I've probably ever played with."

Does he miss his new family while out on the road? "So far they've been able to go with me a couple [times]. We're meeting up now and then, hopefully more, when he [Robertdale Crow III] gets older."

Short songs dominate "Living Well"--inevitable comparisons to Robert Pollard's style of songwriting are surely on the horizon--but instead of creating a sense of immediacy, it only exudes solidarity. "I think it's a lot more concise," he says. "It flows together without having to be difficult."

After the tour, Crow says he's back to finishing the new Pinback record, and the band will stick with Touch & Go as its label. Says Crow: "There's no better thing on the planet."

Rob Crow plays February 23 at Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western, (773)276-3600, at 10pm. $10-$12.

(2007-02-20)

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