Bastard Life Or Clarity [Import]

30 Odd Foot of Grunts | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 8, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Stomp Oz
• ASIN: B00005ATIH
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (118 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,830 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Things Have Got to Change

2. Memorial Day:

3. Hold You

4. Sail Those Same Oceans

5. The Legend of Barry Kable

6. Somebody Else's Princess

7. Wendy

8. The Night Davey Hit the Train

9. Swept Away Bayou (Facing the Headlights Alone)

10. Judas Cart

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Treat on All Levels, May 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Bastard Life Or Clarity (Audio CD)

The first time I found out that Russell Crowe had a band, I laughed wildly. (I think a lot of people do.) But then I listened to them. And let me assure you, they are well worth the time and effort it takes to procure the CD. Crowe's voice is simply wonderful. He has one of those voices -- a deep tenor, bordering on baritone in many places -- that simply captivates people. Whenever I hear him sing -- especially on the album's slower songs -- I want to curl up beneath my speakers and just melt into a million pieces. It is sensuous, soothing, and rather smooth. In its simplicity, it is beautiful; in its intricacies, it is amazing. It is halting to hear him sing: when the songs climax, your heart just stops. The band itself is an eclectic mix of rock, folk, and other influences. One of its greatest strengths is that it is not readily categorized; its members are therefore able to experiment with many different styles, from a more jazz-type feel to hard rock, even occasionally to rap. This album largely features a folk feel, softer than some of their previous work, but it is no less wonderful. For it is when they stick largely to folk that the true passion of the group comes out, en masse. Of all the bands out there, I believe TOFOG to be one of the most passionate, and I really respond to that. Another of TOFOG's strength is its use of different sounds in its music. Violins, violas, and even a dobro are among the instruments used in various tracks, bringing in new and different sounds that really make the album interesting -- and a whole lot of fun. Also, TOFOG skillfully employs a trumpet player (Stewart Kirwan, I believe, does the trumpet licks), a rare thing indeed in the world of rock. I have never heard a trumpet so skillfully employed in a non-classical medium. At times, it is sexy, haunting, and simply delectable. (Being a trumpet player once, I can appreciate the difficulty in what he is playing.) This is an album that you listen to during the day, while you go about your work, enjoying its beauty and its sound. It is also an album that you turn up to escape your life; Russell Crowe's voice booming in your ears will simply transport you to a different place -- many, in fact. Just don't expect to see his picture anywhere on the album. His name appears only in reference to the five other members of his band, and in the writing credits, as he is the group's main songwriter. He may be the "star" of the group (at least to TOFOG fans), but you would never know it. This is no "pet project" of a big actor. This is not a group of clueless people banging around on instruments. This is the real deal, a band with true talent, great songwriting abilities, and an all-around likability. This album will make you laugh -- the opening to "Swept Away Bayou" is hilarious -- and it will make you cry ("Judas Cart" is heartwrenching). In between, you'll be rocking, smiling, and having a blast. This album is a great one. If TOFOG ever went mainstream, we would all be watching Crowe -- and his bandmates -- at the Grammys.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Russell Crowe: Rock Star!, May 3, 2001

By 

Alan Caylow (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bastard Life Or Clarity (Audio CD)

When Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe isn't doing movies, he sings & plays in a rock band called 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts. And the amazing thing is, he's actually GOOD! His album with the Grunts, "Bastard Life Or Clarity," is a strong collection of rockers and lighter acoustic stuff. I put this CD on for my co-workers the other day, and ALL of them were very impressed with Crowe's musical talents (especially the ladies, who are all now scrambling for a copy themselves!). Crowe's already proven himself a fine actor, but who knew the guy could also sing, write, and play guitar so well? No doubt about it, this ain't no William Shatner album.The one thing that struck everybody at my workplace was how Crowe's singing voice has an uncanny resemblance to Elvis Costello (albeit a deeper-voiced Costello). His vocal delivery is quite smooth, and his guitar playing is firm (no flashy guitar solos, really, just good and steady playing). And, by gum, Crowe can also write! His songs (some co-written with other band members) show that Crowe also has a good flare for melody and tunefulness, as well as intriguing lyrics. And while Crowe is most certainly the star of the band, the rest of the five-man group are just as strong on their own instruments to back him up.With Crowe's hugely successful film-career in total overdrive at the moment, it's anybody's guess if he'll ever get around to doing another album with 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts, let alone find the time to promote THIS one. But one thing is quite certain: Russell Crowe CAN have a successful second career in music if he pursues it far enough. He's definitely got the talent for it. "Bastard Life Or Clarity" is quite a musical discovery, a very good album by a very good rock band, led by a very talented man who really CAN do it all. Spread the word!

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A long time fan, March 13, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bastard Life Or Clarity (Audio CD)

Discovered the 'Grunts' by accident, long before they became so popular and I am glad I did. It is hard to describe the music because it is such a great combination of so many things, blues, folk, rock. The songs tell a story, many are personal to Crowe or other band members. The acoustic version of 'Legend of Barry Kable' is a true story and it is not to be missed. Band member Dean Cocrahan had the experince of knowing the man the song is about. The harder rock version can be found on their first album 'Gaslight'. Other songs on BLOC including the touching tribute to Crowe's grandfather "Memorial Day" and a very personal song "The Judas Cart" about Crowe's own neice.It is hard to find a song not to like on this album. Many will buy it because it is Russell Crowe but put that aside as you listen and let the music speak for itself.