Customer Reviews

Oooh La La

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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!

Wow its great to hear this band again. I listened to them on WNKU the other day,and I was hooked. I heard "what I'm famous for".I downloaded the album the next day, and I havent looked back.

This latest group of songs from the CTD is amazing!! They've done what I didn't think doable - they've made another album worth every second! Go out of your way to hear this bundle of melodies and notes.

If you like other Crash Test Dummy albums, you will love this one as well. As soon as you take out the disc, Brad's comical expression makes you laugh. Lyrics are great and this time there are several very different styles of music to listen to. The title track, "Ooh La La" is hysterical with the little catch phrase, "Now you see her, now you don't" along with the great roaring twenties melody. Glad they decided to make another album.

do you like crash test? i doubt this is gonna win any new fans but if youre already convinced about it then you'll love this album.

This by far has proven the genius of brad roberts for the fact that he can take a variety of instruments and make gold. A lot of fans turned away since the days of "god shuffled his feet" but for those who continue to have an open mind and a pure understanding of him changing his style on every cd they won't be dissapointed.

The disc starts off with song bird which is filled with good acostic guitar as well as violins. A perfect way to start the morning.

My favorites are you said you'd meet me It's beautiful, Heart of stone and What i'm famous for.

All and all this is a fantastic disc if you are a die hard fan this will be a good addition to your eclectec arsenal.