Music Views: Crispin Glover’s “Big Problem”

This is a record like no other and not dissimilar to Sonic Youth’s epic “Bull in the Heather” and I must admit that a part-time job at Pizza Hut would be far superior, like when Veruca Salt simply could not help but fight the “Seether.” It is true that Crispin Glover’s singing and speaking voice are not dissimilar to that of the great comedic talent Emo Philips, but really, what can one ultimately do? There is some original material contained in this genuine puzzle of a record, which is something that can be discussed in more detail at a later date. But indeed, this is a thematic record. You have rather bizarre cover songs, including a rather obvious popular hit by Nancy Sinantra. Most telling and enjoyable is Crispin reading from a selection of his books including the quite enjoyable Rat Catching, and readings take place regularly when Mr. Glover tours about giving slideshow presentations and screening his repulsive and questionable films, films that are rather thoughtful as well, however.

The last cut features Crispin screaming rather manically in German; not exactly the most musical experience in the world but it is far from boring. The actual title of this 1989 “masterpiece” spells out as follows: The Big Problem Does Not Equal the Solution. The Solution = Let It Be. Take a deep breath and ponder that for a spell. What exactly is the problem contained within, you may ask? I believe from Crispin’s lyrical standpoint on those songs that he actually penned that the issue deals with human behavior in relation to bad habits and how that affects society on the whole. On the cover tunes, I believe that the master thespian Mr. Glover is just essentially letting his slightly self-possessed weirdo persona go bonkers, and like with the best of cult actors, it sure is fun to watch, or in this case, fun to listen to.

It is rumored that this album was originally suggested to Crispin from a prominent member of Devo who went by the name of Mark, and from there Crispin was introduced to the chaps behind the catchy “Fish Heads” cult anthem and magic was made, and perhaps made all the more with Weird Al playing some rather good accordion on at least one song. You will want to get this record to tell your great-grandchildren about, just to clarify to them that you too were once an eccentric ball of energy. Crispin is really raging against the Back to the Future machine on this record, so don’t miss the outright unnecessary reality of a celebrity record, in this case a hyper-intellectual cult actor, but however unnecessary, the results are entertaining at the very least, and that is primarily Crispin’s trade, to entertain.

…Oh; and there’s been a second album in the can for years with the working title of “Big Love,” so get ready…