The flowers purple on the hill.
Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 05/22/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"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"
Crash test dummies oooH LaLa
Edward Cefarelli | 05/15/2010
(5 out of 5 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."
Wow they are back and better than ever.
T. Bruce | 05/12/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."