Review: Rob Crow – Everybody’s Got Damage
Review: Rob Crow – Everybody’s Got Damage

Review: Rob Crow – Everybody’s Got Damage

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More reviews in our archives.


All-acoustic covers album. I am most likely to be the first in line to say “no thanks” to the prospect of hearing (or reviewing) such a thing. 

Except when it done right. And if Rob Crow’s new one is any indication it is possible to do a covers album without including rendition #3000 of “Hallelujah”, “Nothing Else Matters”, “Stairway to Heaven” or “Lovesong” on it. Capisce?

The tracklist alone might instantly raise a couple of eyebrows. Powerdresser? Sea Nymphs? West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band?

Unless you’re an obsessive record collector neither of the three names will likely say much to you. And that’s great, because hearing those covers makes you want to reach out for the originals and learn more about original artists (word of warning, Powerdresser’s story is not for the faint of heart).

But even when it comes to more recognizable names the selections are far from obvious – take, for instance, the cover of “Anaconda” by Melvins (not to be confused with Nicky Minaj hit of the same name). The original (off of 1991 “Bullhead”) sounds so demented (in a good way, of course) that the idea of an acoustic cover seems inconceivable – yet it works and even maintains the creepiness of the original.

At the other end there are covers of “Different People, Different Ways” and “Molly” both of which can’t be any more different from dadaist terror that is Melvins. Yet both also get proper treatment and are as poignant as the originals. Further on, there are covers of bands that might seem completely unrelated on the surface, but are tied together in their sheer will to demolish boxes and push the envelope (Misfits, Beach Boys, King Crimson, Rudimentary Peni, Residents).

Last, but not least there’s an acoustic cover of…wait for it…Ruins. To the best of my knowledge this is the world’s first cover of Japanese prog/noise maniacs and something that, again, seemed utterly inconceivable until now.

Kindly bring on that sweet damage, Rob. I’m here for it and I’m sure others will be too once they’ll push “play”.

h/t – Erin Dagbjort / Bizarre Statue


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