Customer Reviews

Bastard Life or Clarity

5 star:		(76)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

I'm surprised to find BLOC available from ..., but happy the wider world is discovering Russell and the band. I too found TOFOG while learning more about Russell Crowe, and was happy I did. From "Gaslight" I went to Austin to hear them live, and got my BLOC from Oz, with a special interview disc that explains a lot about the evolution of the songs. Russell writes beautifully metaphorical lyrics and the band really rocks with him. The recent addition of the trumpet has sharpened the sound and the attention that their focused time recording in Austin produced really shows in the quality of the music. TOFOG's music reflects Russell's sensibilities and the passion we admire in his film work is everywhere in this music. The consummate storyteller tells haunting stories here, as always, pulled from real life. While I listen often to hear Russell's beautiful voice, the music is infectious and a lot of fun. I'm "swept away" by this cd! I am continually amazed that a man so protective of his privacy reveals himself so intimately in his music. "Stalking your scent through the kitchen" and "succomb to the flowers who say they'll marry me" have to be two of the most sensuous phrases I've ever heard sung. I recently saw Sting in concert and the Grunts can match his musicianship right down to the trumpet solos. My only complaint with this album is that it is too short, and that three songs are new versions of ones on Gaslight. Since they recorded 16 more in Austin, we can hope that another album is in the works. Buy this for The Man, but listen for the music.

TOFOG is the greatest band ever! This album is amazing, and you should DEFinitly give it a listen! If you like Russell Crowe, you'll love 30 Odd Foot of Grunts. The music is great and Russell's voice is just amazing! The music is a mix of rock and folk-ish kinda stuff that's just awesome, and Russell's voice is very...I dunno, smooth, sexy, soothing.... You choose. ,-)

Like many other people, I'm sure, I ordered this cd for one reason only: Russell Crowe. I had no idea what to expect from this, but could not resist the curiosity to hear it. As I'm writing this, I've had the cd only a day, but I've listened to it at least a dozen times already. Each time I hit the play button my mind drifts away. I forget that I'm listening to an Oscar winning celeb who is on the minds of many women, and on the covers of tabloid papers. I am simply listening to a really good band. Their sound is simple: no frills, no effects. Russell describes it as "Australian Folk" and that's a pretty good description... although there are some rockers. "Somebody Else's Princess" is a fine example of one, and also is one of my favorite tracks. Other favorites are "Memorial Day," "Hold You," and the more subdued but very sweet "Sail Those Same Oceans." Although I enjoy the above four songs the most, there really isn't any filler to be found here.

First of all, TOFOG is NOT a NEW band. It's changed a bit over the years, but it's not new. Russell Crowe (lead singer, guitar) and Dean Cochran (lead guitarist) have been writing music together since 1984. The band added Garth Adam (bass guitar) and David Kelley (drummer) later and have been a performing group around Australia since 1992. Dave Wilkins, guitar, and Stewart Kirwan, trumpet, also provide backup vocals and have been performing with the band for the past two to three years. The band didn't find the name, 30 Odd Foot of Grunts, until 1995. They have released 4 CDs under this name through their official website [...]. I find the music of this latest CD to be a little tamer compared to their Gaslight release which contained more intros and live recordings. But I love most of the songs on Bastard Life or Clarity. My favorites are Hold You, Sail Those Same Oceans, Memorial Day, and Things Have Got to Change. One of the reasons that I like this CD, and the band's music in general, is that they are very versatile. Some songs sound folksy, some rock, and some country. Hold You is very sensual. The Legend of Barry Cable is kind of sad. I, too, saw them perform live in Austin, TX. I believe they are an awesome live band. Most of the audience knew the music. I, unfortunately, ended up at the back of the crowd, but was on a platform that lifted me up so I could see above everyone. The band was tight. The music great. I could hear the voices of the audience rising as they sang along with the band. As the band and the crowd melded together, it was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. It was the best time I've ever had! Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts is a great band. You should give them a listen.

I bought this album on the recommendation of one of my "little" brothers. I have not regretted it at all. If you like all kinds of music, you will love these guys. A must for any collector!

This puppy rocks from the beginning and leaves you going, ok, where is the next album.

This album is serious and playful all at the same time. It is right for any mood your in. These guys are a pub band with ambition and talent to boot!

I bought and waited with great anticipation or this album to be released last January (when it was released in Australia). I'd not heard much of TOFOG, but I like all kinds of music. I was not disappointed. I love this album, though it's not like most of what you find on the market I think that's what appeals most to me about it. It's music with mind and mood of it's own that doesn't sound repetative. It's completely original not a copy of a copy, which is something I value greatly as it's nice to have different flavors in music. BLOC is very deffinately worth the money even being an import. The most important thing is to judge it for the content not the fact that Russell Crowe is the singer for the band. It's a rocking piece, I've worn out two cd players just with this album it's that good. My favorite tracks are 1 Things have got to change, 3 Hold you, 4 Sail those same oceans,5 The legend of Barry Kable, 8 The night Davey hit the train, and 10 Judas Cart. While it's not all upbeat pop, it doesn't feel out of place being what it is. I look forward to future releases from TOFOG, as well as future tours they're great to see live and really nice guys.

I have listened to this CD several times and am very impressed with Russell Crowe. His deep, masculine speaking voice is echoed in his deep, mellow singing. The songs he wrote are good listening; however, his song, Memorial Day, dedicated to his grandfather is deeply touching. The love and admiration for him brought tears to me eyes -- perhaps because I was also very close to my grandfather whom I loved more than anyone else in my family. I recommend this album to everyone who is a fan of Russell...or those who prefer something more than just the average rock music. In his music, his deep sensitivity shines brightly through. And, you can hear the words not drowned out by the band. I hope that Russell Crowe's music will soon be heard more frequently in the USA!