Customer Reviews

I Don't Care That You Don't Mind

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I guess I need to qualify the title of this review. I've been a big Crash Test Dummies fan since I saw them opening for Elvis Costello in 1994. For me, the heart, soul, and mind of the Dummies has always been Brad's writing, both musically and lyrically. When I hear people complain that their style changed with "A Worm's Life" and "Give Yourself A Hand," I can't help thinking that these people are missing the point. Strip those albums down to their acoustic beginnings, and the songs from all five records fit very neatly alongside one another. Frankly, I was hoping for another outing like "Give Yourself A Hand." I loved the production values on that album and the willingness of the band to break down barriers and expectations. I found "I Don't Care If You Don't Mind" quite by accident on a recent trip to the local record shop. Despite the stack of new CD's that I brought home with me (including Depeche Mode, Poe, David Gray, Moby, and Wyclef, among others), the new CTD album was the first to find its way into my CD player. I was wonderfully surprised by the stripped down sound of the album and, contrary to others' assertions that it takes multiple listens, loved the album as it unfolded around me for the first time.
Brad's lyrics are as wistful, whimsical, poignant, and insightful as ever. Although not a huge fan of country music, I love the infusion of twang on this record. I found that the nonchalance of the album title certainly belies the melancholy and longing of his broken-heart songs. And despite the lack of electronic wizardry evinced on "Give Yourself A Hand," the songs themselves are closer in tone and atmosphere to that album than to any other. I can recommend this album unreservedly. It's as good as anything they've put out in the past. I can't quite feature the missing-persons aspect of this outing (with the exception of Brad and Ellen, the band as we've known it is nowhere to be found here), but as rich as the record might have sounded with their participation, it seems to suffer not in the least from their absence. ... .

I had heard that Brad Roberts was working on a solo album that was supposed to come out this Spring, and so then was quite surprised to see this, a new CD by "Crash Test Dummies." However, this looks to have been a last-minute decision to slap a Crash Test Dummies name onto this thing, because no one is pictured anywhere on the cover or within the booklet except for Brad, and, when looking at the credits inside, not a single other Dummy even plays on the CD! Only Ellen Reid is credited with vocals under the "with" (as in "also featuring") section, after the primary musicians on the CD, none of which I've heard of before. Looks to me like Brad asked Ellen to lend a few backing vocals, just so he could call it CTD and hopefully make a few more bucks on the CD and the coming tour (I mean, how many people have heard of Brad Roberts?).

As for the music itself, it does remind me quite a bit of the first album, very acoustic, some of it bordering on country and western, but with a bit of the dark moodiness and soul groove of the last CD. And some of it is just downright goofy - well, a lot of it, actually. Drunken campfire songs, ukulele, Wurlitzer roller-rink organ, zydeco accordian. Have to give it another listen, I suppose. It was mostly just a blur of silliness to me on the first try. And even though I did enjoy it... And the thing is, I would have bought without the CTD name on it, anyway.

Quick background on my experience with CTD -- I've loved them since their debut album in 1991 but only have their first two albums, Ghosts that Haunt Me & God Shuffled His Feet. I found their last couple were too experimental in the dance and harder rock genres for my tastes.

To read the reviews that this latest album was more of a return to their earlier stuff was a relief, and I immediately bought it. I found that people are making that type of comparison because both albums are acoustic-based, but that Ghosts that Haunt Me was more of a folky/Celtic acoustic (penny whistle, mandolin) and I Don't Care is really just mellow acoustic (with other instruments like some slow horns, accordion, hammond organ). So it's close to their first album but still different. I agree that the female singer (think her name is Ellen) stands out with her supporting vocals on this album.

A few other things to note about this album is that over half the songs are very, VERY slow and mellow. If you had to experience only a few songs on this album to get a taste of what it's like, try "Yer Devil Ways" for slow and "I Never Fall Asleep at Night" for faster. If you like those two songs, you will enjoy the greater portion of the rest of this album.

I own all 5 Crash Test Dummies albums, and after loving the first three (Ghosts that haunt me, God Shuffled his feet, and A worm's life) I was a little dissapointed with Give Yourself a Hand, even though it does have a couple great songs. However, I have come to grips to the fact that CTD is an ever evolving band. With all this said, I found that I Dont Care that you don't mind was somewhat of a reversion to their ealier works. This album does have a bit of a country taste to it, but it only is really apparent in 2 songs. I would call it a combination between Ghosts that haunt me now (minus the celtic sound) and A worms life. It doesn't have the strict ballad feel of most of the God Shuffled his feet tracks, but is still a very enjoyable album. I definetly agree with another reviewer with the point that you must listen to this twice before you judge it. After listening to it the first time, I was a little dissapointed b/c the two country tracks really stuck out and weren't my style. But on the second listening, I fell in love with the 12 other tracks.

With this album, the latest work from the Crash Test Dummies (barring the rehashed Christmas album Jingle All The Way), megalomaniac (read: Brad owns the band name, but Brad's band is NOT the actual Crash Test Dummies on this album... however, since a few of them appeared on the tour, it was renamed as a CTD album during production) singer Brad Roberts may have constructed the ultimate concept album for one of two situations, the first being hanging out, or driving in, the rain (as contemplated in "On And On"). The second is proposed in "Buzzing Flies": the days when you're sitting on your arse in 100+ degree heat and lamenting your life. Therefore, the whole album has become a soundtrack to my life, as I find myself in both situations frequently. Here are some highlights.

The title track opens, featuring a "we're rolling now" intro. It appears they didn't spend a lot of time on some of these tracks in the mixing and editing process. However, these sort of little studio insights give us a real, dare I say, insight to the album itself, and Brad Roberts' mind as well, if you're bold enough to go there. This title track is traditional Dummies with a new country sound, a very minimalist and low-key sound. Ellen Reid delivers an excellent backup vocal performance, as always.

Track 2 and second single "On And On" is a simple little number with a catchy melody and one of Roberts' more vibrant lyrical/sonic performances on the album. This is about as loud as it's going to get. Third single and only video "The Day We Never Met" has very clever lyrics about actually falling in love with someone who really doesn't exist. It features an extended piece of music from Brad's Band at the end, which balances the lyrics nicely. One of the nicer pieces of music on the album.

"Let It Feel Like Something Else" and "Little Secret" are two countrified tracks that could have come off of Give Yourself A Hand, with their keyboard leads and bassier sound. However, they're still rooted in twang, so don't get your hopes up if you want more GYAH.

"Buzzin' Flies", my personal favorite, features Brad singing over a minimalist guitar line, some drums, and a squeaky old transistor radio. These are some of the best lyrics in the band's catalog IMO. However, it sounds a lot like "On And On" and the next track "Yer Devil Ways", which is again slow and has a rainy-driving feel.

First single "Every Morning" is nearly as catchy as "On And On", but from hearing this song on the radio a lot when the album came out, I don't listen to it very often. Has a verse about masturbation, which is the ultimate topic to prove Brad Roberts' megalomania.

If you like the sixth album, Jingle All The Way, you'll like "Never Comin' Back". Featuring Ellen Reid and a big bright organ front and center, Brad Roberts jumps in with an excellent vocal and content that juxtaposes nicely against the far-too-upbeat organ line. The band has always been famous for pulling such tricks.

"Shoot 'Em Up..." is the climax of the record, and one of my favorites. I recommend that readers go and download this song to get at the essence of the album before you buy it. A typical Brad Roberts number. Nothing like it: "I shot an ol' bottle with my favorite gun just last night/
It shattered and the sound made me feel like the king I am". It doesn't get much better than this. Crack open a beer with Brad, sit back, and watch the stars shine. Get them devil women out of yer town. Drive your car faster than you should through a late afternoon rainshower. Get a hangover the next day and try to take your mind off it by sitting out in the sun.

But you won't be able to exploit any of these moments till you buy the Crash Test Dummies' best album.

Agreeing with everyone else that this album grows on you. It's obvious from the beginning with the adult themes in the songs, that CTD is going to reach a different audience. In fact, I'd be surpised if I hear any of the songs on the local Top 40 boy-band radio station. These aren't songs you would want your kids to listen to as there are no real whimsical triumphs like the "Hmmm Hmmm" song. There are a couple of new campy classics, but overall, it's a much more somber album. Brad has obviously put his last few years of sex, drugs, and drinking into it creating something that is great to simply put on the stereo, turn up loud and enjoy. In addition to hearing Brad's comfortable voice, the accompanying music is very clear and is a joy to listen to. I'm not a fan of the female backup singer as I feel she adds a sort of "lounge act" quality, but she's tolerable. Overall, it's a country meets lounge, meets blues/jazz mixture that is sure to hit the spot when you just want to relax. Good job CTD.

"God Shuffled His Feet" is in my CD cabinet close to the top; it is one of my favorite all-time CDs, with its rich melodies, haunting lyrical sounds, and a smooth flow of music. That's why I didn't much care for the previous two CDs that CTD has put out. They were more "3 piece band" sounding. That's why I like this album, though it doesn't hit the sam emotional strings as "God...". There are deep country and bluegrass roots in this album. Zydego also finds itsself into a few songs. This CD is a compilation of music that you would most likely hear in a real relaxed, cozy coffee house. It isn't something to play when you have guests for a dinner party, but when you feel like drinking a beer, smoking a pipe, and reading an artsy magazine. It is a good CD. But it isn't, in my opinion, the best that the CTD name can put out.

As mentioned previously, Crash Test Dummies reinvents themselves with every album, much like the quintissential Beck. However, this outing is strangely derelict of the rest of the 'Dummies; only Ellen is apparent, lending her talented and haunting (if sometimes a bit token) vocals to the mix.

I'd advise this album if you were NOT a huge fan of their last album (as is my case...) if you tire of the endless march of dance & over-applied bass so prevelant in many "alternative" acts today, you'll appreciate this album. Soft, smooth, sultry, without any of the "wee, we can break woofers too and make the angst-riden teens shake their boo-tays!!" bass of their previous album, but with a bit more maturity than their "country bumpkin" first outing. I'd view it as a slice of "The Ghosts that Haunt Me" effervescently sandwiched betwixt a generous, fresh loaf of "God Shuffled his Feet", with a side bowl, served in a ceramic dish, of "Give yourself a Hand", and a tall, refreshing, cool beverage of "Worm's Life." Make no sense? Good. Get the album and deduce the assayed mixture for yourself; if you're more for whimsy than bass, this album is for you.

At first listen, the album really doesn't click. I guess I was expecting something else, which is really stupid on my part. CTD are masters of diguise; each album sounds distinctly different from the others. Some have said "I Don't Care That You Don't Mind" is reminiscent of "Ghosts That Haunt Me," but I'll have to disagree on that. While the album is firmly grounded in the acoustic world, gone are the Celtic and Scottish influences found on their debut. Instead, we get a Johnny Cash meets They Might Be Giants outing, complete with a song about a little bird (see "On And On"). Good drinking disc, by the way. If you spin it once and hate it, take a break and come back. I can almost guarantee that it's worthwhile once the shock wears off.

This is an incredible album - great lyrics, excellent guitar breaks, another new Dummies sound - a melancholy 'Southern feel that works great, and is a sharp contrast to the funky hard rock of Give Yourself A Hand. Ellen Reid's harmonies are as beautiful as ever, and hear me now you - BRAD ROBERTS IS STILL AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CRASH TEST DUMMIES LEAD SINGER. A reviewer 'helpfully pointed out' that CTD had a new lead singer who tried to sound like the old one. Yep, looks like him too. And has the same name! Hey! Wait a second....could it be..? Why not check your cd sleeves before you make absurd claims like that.