Album Reviews

Early next year there shall be much rejoicing when Pinback’s new album finally comes out but to tie us over Rob Crow was kind enough to drop another solo album. “He Thinks He’s People” is already his sixth and it’s another good one.

For those of you who have never heard of Rob Crow or Pinback for that matter… wow dude, where the hell have you been? Think of them as the lesser known brother of The Shins and Built To Spill. Just like on a Pinback album, Crow builds his songs with the help of guitars and a drum computer before adding his muttered vocals over them. It might not sound all that exciting but trust me, it is.

There is a definite Elliott Smith vibe in songs like “This Thread” and “Tranked” whereas “Build” is more of a punky track that I did not see coming. Hell, Crow even gets even downright funky in “Locking Seth Putnam In Hot Topic” before going back to Elliott Smith on “Purpose”.

It doesn’t become quite as cosy on “He Thinks He’s People” as it does on a regular Pinback album… guess the magic really happens when Crow collaborates with partner in crime Zach Smith. But until that new albums comes out, this will do just fine!