Customer Reviews

Ghosts That Haunt Me

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I got The Ghosts That Haunt Me after 2 other Dummies CDs (God Shuffled His Feet & Give Yourself A Hand), and at first glance it wasn't what I'd hoped or expected. However, after playing it through a bit, I can say I like this album as much as their others, only in a different way. The songs are more folk(country)-oriented on this, but they sound good and range from traditional-sounding melodies, like Here on Earth (I'll have My Cake), to thoughtful, slower tunes (At My Funeral, The Ghosts That Haunt Me, Superman's Song), to loud complaints against injustice (Thick Necked Man). Brad Roberts' vocals are very good, and fit nicely with the instrumental arrangements, but I couldn't help noticing his voice is a *little* more developed and confident on the later releases (God Shuffled His Feet, Worm's Life, etc.). Even if you aren't a folk/rock fan, this album is a great choice for anybody who enjoys well-written music. -+SrCosmo

I bought this CD in 1992 because Superman's Song had gotten a little play on a local radio station. I don't usually make a purchase based on just one tune, but I'm glad I did in this case because the rest of the album is amazing. Personal favorites for me are The Voyage, Here on Earth, Comin' Back Soon and of course the title track. Great stuff, with a lot of moods expressed in just 10 songs and a little under 40 minutes playing time. Highly recommended!

As a side note, the woman who does the backing vocals on this and the other CTD albums, Ellen Reid, recently released a solo album herself. It's pretty amazing in it's own right--if you can find a copy of Cinderellen, i would suggest giving it a try as well.

This album is amazing. I first heard the Dummies when their mmmmmmm song was popular and, after buying GSHF album, purchased this one. Its a little wierd at first, that is, until you learn the songs and get used to the folkey, twangy banjo sound. I bought this album 5 years ago and I still love it! Clever lyrics in the Bereft Mans Song, Brads deep cynical voice in My Funeral, and upbeat rythems in Thick Necked Man will grab you, delight you and have you singing at the top of you lungs. Don't pass this album on the shelves without buying it!

This was my first exposure to Crash Test Dummies. A brother had the album, and it was very uncharacteristic of the music I was listening to and that was playing on alternative rock stations at the time--a strange blend of country, bluegrass-y...whatever... But it totally grew on me, and when I went back to college, I missed it, and so got the CD myself. Most other folks I've run into and played it for (including my college roomies), had much the same reaction. Now, 14 years later, when I called one of my old college roomies recently, he goes, "guess what I'm listening to?!" That's right, this album.

So what is it about this album? Most of the themes that come up in their later works, the dark melancholy, are there in this album, too...but unlike their later work, that dark melancholy has lighter themes next to it, but even more importantly, their themes are mostly treated to light, engaging, "happy" melodies and instrumentation ("Superman's Song" and "At My Funeral" are the two notable exceptions). That instrumentation, is also one of the joys of this album. Twangy, different string instruments, and just a full light sound mix with the light melodies and contrast with Roberts' awesomely deep voice to make a catchy, unforgettable, and easily-hummed mix that just stays with you.

Think of it as Crash Test Dummies having a great time while thinking some occasional dark thoughts.

That's why I like this CD best. There may be dark thoughts in there, but they're fun and happy and jangly in spite of them. There later ones seemed to progressively lose sight of the happy part.

And though there are times when dark and moody and depressing in music is good... I generally prefer the happy stuff. I could be shallow that way.
:-)

While I love the Dummies' subsequent and highly-stylized forrays into the tangled human psyche, Ghost is by far the most clever and most fun. The dreariness of the subjects is mitigated by the warm, open jangle of accoustic guitar, mandolin and banjo, sassy organ riffs and a happy little penny whistle. If these are ghost stories (and they certainly are!), they're being told in a treehouse by your favorite eccentric grandpa. This is a must-have for fans and newbies alike.

What a great set of songs. While some serious subjects are dealt with they are written with a real sense of wit and sly humour. Superman Song and Ghosts that Haunt Me were offered as the hits, and while they are good there are others I feel that are just as good, such as Comin' Back Soon, Country Life, Here on Earth and At My Funeral. I strongly recommend this album

I was at a party after I graduated college where this CD was playing. I was blown away! I excluded myslef from the partying activites and just focused on the music. It was so engaging, deep, thought provoking and yet energetic and exciting. The next day I went out and purchased it. Over 8 years later I'm still enjoying this musical masterpiece.

I think you will be enchanted with Brad Roberts incredibale lyrics and non-traditional voice. Instruments range from pennywhistle, mandolin, acoustic guitars & mandolins and the styles range from Irish folk to piano bablad to good ole hoedown (without the lameness of the traditional counrty sound). I can't pick a favourite song because they are all good - no fillers!!

I believe the CTD have 4 albums out - this is the best one! And a great starting place to introduce an act that is talented and creative. Order it from Amazon now!! You will not be disappointed.

Released in the summer of 1991, this recording hasn't left my cd player since. One of our nothern neighbor's best musical imports (along with Barenaked Ladies, Lowest of the Low and the Tragically Hip) and like Lowest of the Low they never quite make their mark. This cd should've done it. Interesting instruments, a voice that is uncannily deep and lyrically clever songs with tongue firmly in cheek; these elements make "The Ghosts That Haunt Me". While their most commercial release followed this one ("God Shuffled His Feet") consider that one the slightly less attractive sister, it does not have the symmetry this one does. Ten songs on the cd and by the time the first three are over you're completely sucked in. Give the whole cd a listen and at the end you're treated to one of the best cd closers ever, "At My Funeral".

A definite Canadian original, this is CTD's best album, with strong songwriting and a great folk-pop feel. The themes of death and spirituality can get a little redundant but lets just give them the benefit of the doubt and call it "consistent". Very catchy songs you will be humming to your grave.

'Ghosts' is a classic that should have gotten more recognition than it did upon first release. Brad's quirky lyrics put into song what many of us think but don't fully express in words. You'll be thinking about what your friends will really be thinking at 'your funeral', how great 'superman' was compared to tarzan, and how wonderful it would be to move out 'to the country' even though you have no clue whatever it is farmers raise. The ironic thing is, you won't be able to decide whether to tap your feet to the catchy melodies and sing along....or listen insightfully to the lyrics. This album is a keeper...and a must have.