Oooh La La

Crash Test Dummies | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 11, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RED GENERAL CATALOG
• ASIN: B003ATUFNU
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,376 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

There is no mistaking Brad Roberts voice. He may look like an average guy, now in his mid-40s, but then he opens his mouth and his majestic baritone voice immediately conjures fond memories of such Crash Test Dummies hits at Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm and Superman. Perhaps best remembered for the acerbic folk rock sound of 1991 s The Ghosts That Haunt Me and 1993 s God Shuffled His Feet, there have nonetheless been enough hits for the band over the years to merit a couple of greatest hits packages. Through it all, the band with Roberts at the helm has touched on funk and soul, folk, electronic music and even Christmas tunes. Yet it is Roberts voice and offbeat lyrical sensibility that have been this beloved band s calling cards since their founding twenty years ago.

Due for release on May 11, Oooh La La (Deep Fried) is again something of a different animal for the Crash Test Dummies. This time Roberts collaborates with producer/engineer Stewart Lerman, whose many credits include such divergent talents as Antony and the Johnsons and The Roches, as well as filmmakers like Wes Anderson and Martin Scorcese. While longtime CTD member Ellen Reid added back-up vocals and a lead on the closing acoustic ballad Put a Face, this album is fundamentally the work of these two creative men.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The flowers purple on the hill., May 21, 2010

By 

Jason Stein (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Oooh La La (Audio CD)

America is a sad place. A sad place because bands like Crash Test Dummies are considered a novelty act rather than a literate and original musical force. All anyone remembers is "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm", if that. I don't mind that you don't care, either. At least they're not overplayed and over-appreciated. They're a secret, really. Brad's baritone vocals are a character all its own.

So here we have the band's eighth album, "Oooh La La!" An about face from 2004's bleak and serious "Songs Of The Unforgiven". This is Crash Test Dummies back having some fun, inspired by the Optigan from the 1970's and the Omnichord from the 1980's. I had some trepidation. Could this band really produce something viable and memorable after six years away? Yes they can.

Although there are a few duds here, namely "Paralyzed", "The In-Between Place" and "Lake Bras d'Or"--these are minor deviations from an otherwise enjoyable album. There's even a few classics here like "Songbird" or "And It's Beautiful", then there's "Not Today Baby", "Heart Of Stone", "What I'm Famous For" and "Now You See Her". Even Ellen Reid gets some time to sing on "Put A Face".

All in all, this is a surprising return considering that Brad Roberts had been quoted saying that Crash Test Dummies were no more. Not only that, it's a very good album with strong melodies and both serious and humorous lyrics.

Here's how "Oooh La La!" compares to other Crash Test Dummies albums:

1991 The Ghosts That Haunt Me: Five Stars
1993 God Shuffled His Feet: Five Stars
1996 A Worm's Life: Three and a Half Stars
1999 Give Yourself A Hand: Four Stars
2001 I Don't Care That You Don't Mind: Four Stars
2003 Puss 'n' Boots: Three Stars
2004 Songs Of The Unforgiven: Four Stars
2010 Oooh La La!: Four Stars

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars crash test dummies oooH LaLa, May 14, 2010

By 

Edward Cefarelli - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Oooh La La (Audio CD)

i was glad to see Brad Roberts was back writing music, when i saw the cover it reminded me of God Shuffled His Feet,then i listened to snippets of songs,i went out and got the cd and iwas really glad i did.it seems the party light is on and all are invited, so go get this music youll have a smile from ear to ear.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Was not sure I would, but I love it!, April 11, 2011

By 

Mary Folley "M Folley" (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Oooh La La (Audio CD)

Had not heard new CTD music in quite a long time, but have always loved the material from "Ghosts that Haunt Me" and "God Shuffled His Feet." I noticed they were touring and thought I would take a chance on the new CD. I was not disappointed. Brad Roberts still has a delicious bass voice. Ellen Reid blends in wonderfully in backup vocals. The song writing is still infused with wry humor and melancholy. I love it!