Customer Reviews

Puss N Boots

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

 

 

This is the newest CTD cd, and many things have changed since their one hit wonderdome back in 1994 with "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm". They are not the same band for one. It now seems that Brad Roberts is pretty much the main creative force, carrying quite a burden with each cd attempting to outwit himself lyrically and maintain musical creativity. "Puss 'N' Boots" is the second CTD cd in a row that has languished musically. It's plain repetitive and uninspired. Also, CTD is now on an indie label, so the expectations are much lower, and the music suffers because of this. Gone are better producers like Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads who produced their best cd 1993's "God Shuffled His Feet". I don't know who Stuart Cameron is but it seems that Brad Roberts' creative energy was not sparked by his production. CTD best cds are the acoustic whimsy of 1991's "The Ghosts That Huant Me", the odd mix of electronic acoustic folk of 1993's "God Shuffled His Feet" and the eccentric electro-funk, post moderness of 1999's "Give Yourself A Hand". "Puss 'N' Boots" does not contain one memorable song such as "Superman's Song", "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm", "A Worm's Life", "Keep A Lid On Things" or "I Don't Care That You Don't Mind". CTD have the same struggle that They Might Be Giants Have--they need to stay eccentric AND make whimsical music. Note to Brad Roberts: Bring back Mitch Dorge and Benjamin Darvill, use Ellen Reid more and let Dan Roberts play more of a creative role in the band's musical direction and collaborate with Jerry Harrison again! My verdict is that "Puss 'N' Boots" is average.

I like the CD, but it is just average.

I want to like it more, and this is the first CTD that does not get a 5 out of me.

I am patient however, lets hear another one (ha for patient eh?)

anyway, not everything can be gold.

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Okay, after listening to this CD for about a month or so, I have decided that this CD is not as bad as I originally thought. Ever have a cd that grows on you? Well this is quite good in a lot of ways that I missed. So, I upgraded from a 3 to a 4.

I think anyone who has purchased a CTD cd before may have to wait to enjoy this, but keep with it. Someone new to CTD may find this cd very enjoyable out of the box.

I am a huge fan of Brad Roberts voice and his earthy style of communicating through his songs. I am really sorry to say, but this album left me feeling like "What the hell was that?". It gave me an impression that "Puss N Boots" was quickly composed strictly for commercial reasons. Something happened to Brad's deep baritone voice. I hope that his voice did not change forever and this is only temporary inconvenience.
Get well soon, Brad!

I've been a fan of the unique style, and re-invention that is the Crash Test Dummies for some time. I've not liked all their albums, and like anyone . . . The Crash Test Dummies have been hit and miss with me for years now.

So with that said . . . there is a distinct groove and maturity in this album that stands out. I enjoyed the heck out of the album "Give Yourself a Hand" for it's wicked and funny lyrics and funky almost-techno sound. And with that prior CD in mind there are a few songs that I believe led the Crash Test Dummies to "Puss N Boots" - namely the title track from the past album - "Give Yourself a Hand".

"Puss N Boots" has a definitive sound that is all Crash Test Dummies, but is comprised of old soul groove of the type that instantly made me smile and nod my head with the rhythm of the music.

I believe the Crash Test Dummies have another ageless album in "Puss N Boots". The album will be fresh, and timeless, much like "The Ghosts that Haunt Me", and "God Shuffled His Feet". The composition is mature, the lyrics are entertaining, and the rhythm of the band is in the pocket. Though thoroughly different, I was reminded of Steely Dan when I first heard this album . . . the way the music, lyrics, and feel of the band fit together.

If you like toe-tapping-make-you-smile-groove-music, then this is an album worth getting. If you're looking for the "Folksy" composition and lyrics of the earlier Crash Test Dummies . . . well you're not going to find it here, but you will find another ageless gem just the same.

More funky and modern sounding but with the classic Brad Roberts voice and lyrical style we've come to know and love. If I were to sum this album up it would be Crash Test Dummies with 'groove'!

Some great catchy tunes like It's A Shame, I'm The Man(That You Are Not), If Ya Wanna Know and especially Flying feeling which grooves along nicely - if this doesn't inspire you to get up and ooze across the room with a huge grin on your face, nothing will. Did Brad have a cold when recording Never Bother Looking Back (another great track)? Only he can tell us, and it certainly doesn't detract from the song in any way.

This album grows on me more and more every day and, in my opinion, only Triple Master Blaster lets the overall track list down. I'm sure Crash Test Dummies fans will be just as enamoured with this album as previous offerings and will be more than pleased to add it to their collection.

I've had the UK release for a few weeks now and have based my review on that.

Brilliant, long may it continue!

All I have to say is "welcome back to earth Brad Roberts" (I didn't really care for the past few records until now.) He has proven that he is going to be around for a long time. It sounds like Puss n' Boots is putting Crash Test Dummies back on the map. I highly recomend this record. It's sexy, groovy, heavy and honest.