Songs of the Unforgiven - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Album Description
The newest Crash Test Dummies CD is a melancholy collection of songs. Some are songs of love and hope; others are much darker, and even at times apocalyptic. Brad Roberts has teamed up with producer Scott Harding to produce this lush recording, made in an old Catholic church in Duluth, Minnesota. The combination of the massive 19th century pipe organ and the enormous resonance of the room make this record the most haunting Crash Test Dummies record yet. Many other unconventional instruments appear on the record as well, including the harp and kettle drums. Guest appearances include Suzzy Roche, who sings some sonnets with Mr. Roberts. Founding member and back up vocalist Ellen Reid harmonizes beautifully all over the record. Never have Mr. Roberts and Ms. Reid sounded quite this good together.

Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...

3 out of 5 stars

Fear And Loathing In Brad Roberts. February 10, 2005
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

The Crash Test Dummies website describes "Songs Of The Unforgiven" as a stylistic shift from 2003's "Puss 'N' Boots", and they aren't kidding. They go on to say that this new album is similar to something Nick Cave or Tom Waits would do. I actually felt it was something more like fellow Canadian Leonard Cohen would produce.

There are 17 tracks, but really there are 10 full-formed songs couched in between three sonnets and four interludes that are all very short. I felt that this album was better than "Puss 'N' Boots" musically and lyrically. It's not up to their best work such as 1991's "The Ghosts That Haunt Me" and 1993's "God Shuffled His Feet", but there's something compelling in the lyrics of "Unforgiven" and Brad's dreary drone. The songs are pretty much about evil, corruption and the end of everything. It works pretty well, but there's little variation.

In fact, this album is quite homogenous in its approach and sound, and many of the songs sound alike. This works as a whole album though, but if you are looking for individual tracks that stand out, you will not find one. I have to hand it to Brad Roberts for keeping the band going (even though it's just him now with Ellen Reid lending her voice at times), and for going independent rather than selling out to the major labels. Most bands in this position would have sold out, but not Brad.

If I had to point to the best songs I'd pick "And So Will Always Be", "The Unforgiven Ones", "Is The Spell Really Broken", "Everlasting Peace" and "The Wicked And The Evil".

Let's just say that I hope Brad feels better soon, because this is the third Crash Test Dummies album in a row that has been downbeat. Maybe a reunification with the other four members might rejuvenate the music?

5 out of 5 stars

Great New CTD Album October 14, 2004
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

I really like this new album. After being hooked on CTD by a friend over the summer, I have listened to the band almost every day. This one is much different from the well-known "God Shuffled His Feet" and is more melancholy in nature. The lyrics, sung by Brad Roberts in his haunting baritone voice, are very thought provoking. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars

ANother Incredible album October 13, 2004
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

If your a CTD fan, you know not one album will be like the next. It is always interesting to see what Brad will come up with next. Strangely enough, this one is as deep in the roots of old contemporary country. It is slow the whole way through and a dark album, with incredible lyrics and vocals. This album is perfect for the fall season, when everything is getting darker and dying. It is a setting for Autumn. I again think this album is one of his better albums. I would say if you like "Ghosts That Haunt Me Now" and "I Dont Care" albums this is perfect blend of the 2. However don't expect the pace to ever get any faster then what it is. Nice work Brad, another great album.

4 out of 5 stars

Get over it already! November 1, 2004
6 out of 9 found this review helpful

Yes, I am talking to all of the whiners out there that expect every new CTD album to be regurgitated God Shuffled His Feet fare. And when, amazingly, they find out that it is completely different all they do is ooze pathetically about just that...how different it is! Thank God! Don't get me wrong, GSHF is a phenomenal album, but I don't want to hear it reincarnated every couple of years. Any Floyd fans out there? Do you whine and cry because Atom Heart Mother is so different from Dark Side of the Moon? Or the Wall? Or Meddle? C'mon, the sign of a great artist is their ability to create and produce something new and different. Brad succeeds every time he puts out a new album. Some days I could go for Ghosts, some days for Worms, and some days for Don't Care. They are all great albums. Songs of the Unforgiven is no different...or is it?

1 out of 5 stars

Apocalypse Now December 8, 2004
5 out of 10 found this review helpful

As one of the world's biggest Crash Test Dummies fans, I am very disappointed by this latest effort. While Brad Roberts' signature baritone is in fine form, the songs on this CD are extremely depressing. I actually like melancholic songs, but this is melancholy overload. A good title for this CD would have been "Songs About the End of the World". One or maybe two of these songs would have been OK if the rest of the material was more varied; the palate really needs cleansing after a few of these songs in a row.

I agree with a previous reviewer that people with emotional problems should stay away from this CD. I'm a pretty happy person and it depressed me.

This poor review has nothing to do with the band's changing styles - I don't mind that at all. But monotony is "unforgiven" and not up to the Dummies' usual quality. I found myself actually using the "skip track" button on my CD player, which I have never had to do with a Crash Test Dummies CD before!

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