Other Ways of Speaking [Import]

30 Odd Foot of Grunts, Russell Crowe | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 13, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Rykodisc UK
• ASIN: B0001EMVFC
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #238,809 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There's a temptation to judge 30 Odd Foot Grunts harshly, given that Russell Crowe's talent as a singer falls far short of his acumen as an actor. But that isn't entirely fair. Veering somewhere between David Bowie and Chris Isaak, Crowe's rough but nuanced voice provides a perfectly good vehicle for these vignettes of dashed love and struggle. Erring a bit on the wordy side, with choruses that ramble, the songs are rescued by solid and often adventurous musicianship. Often a nasty snarling guitar asserts its splendidly ugly head, reminding one of nothing so much as the menace of vintage ZZ Top. The oddly named ensemble is best served by more raucous numbers in which the players sound like early '80s pub rockers on a loon. Unselfconsciously retro, the band is full of attitude and sass, but that all dissipates on maudlin songs like the self-absorbed "Unfaithful Man" and the wooden and clichéd "Full Length of the River." Chrissie Hynde adds some class when she duets with Crowe on the conflicted love song, "Never Be Alone Again." --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks TOFOG, OWOS is divine!, April 12, 2003

By 

True Blue TOFOG Fan (SoWest USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Other Ways of Speaking (Audio CD)

I've been a TOFOG fans for a few years, have all the previous CDs. True, I found TOFOG through being a Russell Crowe fan, but that does not negate how entertaining this band is. OWOS is a definite departure for them, but plainly maps their growth from raucous raw pub band (Gaslight), to a more commercial but still rockin' folk rock band (Bastard Life or Clarity) to OWOS, a CD that can compete with many more well-known groups out there today. OWOS has superior production with wonderfully fluid and lyrical arrangements. There is a terrific mix of full on rocking dance around the room songs as well as a few ballads which will leave you wanting more of this velvet-yet-growly-voiced singer. Stand outs for me include "Painted Veil", "Full Length of the River" and "Afraid". Dare I say I truly enjoy TOFOG's interpretation of "Folsom Prison Blues" even more than the Man in Black's own version.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Russell Crowe or Rock Fans Only (It is not pop!), April 11, 2003

By 

E. PAU (Vancouver, British Columbia Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Other Ways of Speaking (Audio CD)

Okay, I initially really wanted to give 3 stars only, but then I had to change my mind because even though the album is not a pleasant surprise, it really is not bad at all. The album is a great one for summer. The country-rock tunes give listeners a Texas slash Tasmania (Australia) feel. Quite a few of the songs have some rather unexpected usage of horns and strings, which kisses the songs with a limey-fresh feel. I could almost "see" the desert and cowboy hats appearing in front of me. (and a glass of lemonade with a lot of vodka) Russell Crowe's solo vocal is really nothing compared to his acting in say "The Insider" or "The Beautiful Mind". But his singing ability is still honestly quite above average - cowboy with a touch of soul. (Very Alabama!) People who adore Crowe, especially those who are in love in him should definitely get this album. The songs are not commercial at all, nothing sickeningly "formula"; the ryhmes are very intimate. Like the ones you will hear in a old yet populated pub in the suburban. Careful listeners should realize there is a lot of effort put into the rhymes and arrangements; the songs are never repetitive and dull. For hard rock fans: Yes, there are a couple more "hard" rock tunes that you can swing your head along to, like #10. Overall, I would say it is a good album to purchase if you like rock, alternative rock, or if you are a fan of Crowe. Do not expect a "pop" firework, this album is not that.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you can't see them live, hear this, April 14, 2003

By 

Tressa L. Breen (Gardner, MA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Other Ways of Speaking (Audio CD)

Having listened to all the works of this group, it is wonderful to hear continued growth in freshness and originality. The previously released songs/"concert staples" have been reworked: new harmonies, new instruments, new life. The brand new tracks are exploration into rock 'n' roll and heart 'n' soul. This self professed "pub band" with it's "whiskey and cigarettes" voiced frontman (what's his name?) have never sounded better.

Also recommended: Bastard Life Or Clarity (cd) Gaslight (cd) What's Her Name? (cd) The Photograph Kills (cd) Texas (dvd/vhs) Nothing In Moderation (cd) Sampler One (cd) Ether & Great Ocean Road (cd) White Monkey (cd)