Rob Crow’s Gloomy Place – You’re Doomed. Be Nice. (2016)

Rob Crow’s Gloomy Place: What sort of name for a musical project is that? Well, it’s a name chosen by someone who has watched and who deeply understands Happy Gilmore.

Happy Gilmore is one of the greatest films ever made. You’ve probably not seen it, because you’re too young and so you think all films are either (a) remakes of older, better films or (b) comic book adaptations. Or because you hate Adam Sandler. Or both.

It tells the story of a borderline sociopath’s reintroduction into the community through the medium of elitist sports, while touching on themes of mindfulness, animal welfare and granny-banging. I have watched this film over 50 times, and I’m pretty sure I could recite it to you, line by line, if you now want to see it but can’t find it on Netflix. (I don’t know if Netflix has it. Why would I? I have it on VHS*)

An underlying idea throughout Happy Gilmore is that some people, although supremely gifted in a particular area, don’t really give a shit about it either way. They’re not even trying. They often think that the thing they happen to be awesome at is retarded. But they’re still better at it than everyone else. Think Leonardo da Vinci (painting), Ronnie O’Sullivan (snooker), Brian Blessed (looking like Pavarotti).

Rob Crow also fits into this category. Here are some stats:
1. Rob Crow single-handedly wrote over 20% of all US math music between 1993 and 1995.
2. Rob Crow invented math pop.
3. Rob Crow hates Rob Crow.

So after realizing that the film Happy Gilmore is actually a metaphor for his own life, he is now returning the favour by referencing a key motif from the film in the moniker of his new band. The circle is complete. The hunter has become the hunted. The chicken is now the egg.

*Although the cover has been damaged superficially by baked bean juice

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