Search - Crash Test Dummies :: I Don't Care That You Don't Mind

Not really Crash Test Dummies, but...

Rich Schmid | Chicago, IL United States | 04/03/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I had heard that Brad Roberts was working on a solo album that was supposed to come out this Spring, and so then was quite surprised to see this, a new CD by "Crash Test Dummies." However, this looks to have been a last-minute decision to slap a Crash Test Dummies name onto this thing, because no one is pictured anywhere on the cover or within the booklet except for Brad, and, when looking at the credits inside, not a single other Dummy even plays on the CD! Only Ellen Reid is credited with vocals under the "with" (as in "also featuring") section, after the primary musicians on the CD, none of which I've heard of before. Looks to me like Brad asked Ellen to lend a few backing vocals, just so he could call it CTD and hopefully make a few more bucks on the CD and the coming tour (I mean, how many people have heard of Brad Roberts?).As for the music itself, it does remind me quite a bit of the first album, very acoustic, some of it bordering on country and western, but with a bit of the dark moodiness and soul groove of the last CD. And some of it is just downright goofy - well, a lot of it, actually. Drunken campfire songs, ukulele, Wurlitzer roller-rink organ, zydeco accordian. Have to give it another listen, I suppose. It was mostly just a blur of silliness to me on the first try. And even though I did enjoy it... And the thing is, I would have bought without the CTD name on it, anyway."

Sounds Like Everything Else They've Done

Morgen Selmer | New Hampshire | 05/19/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I guess I need to qualify the title of this review. I've been a big Crash Test Dummies fan since I saw them opening for Elvis Costello in 1994. For me, the heart, soul, and mind of the Dummies has always been Brad's writing, both musically and lyrically. When I hear people complain that their style changed with "A Worm's Life" and "Give Yourself A Hand," I can't help thinking that these people are missing the point. Strip those albums down to their acoustic beginnings, and the songs from all five records fit very neatly alongside one another. Frankly, I was hoping for another outing like "Give Yourself A Hand." I loved the production values on that album and the willingness of the band to break down barriers and expectations. I found "I Don't Care If You Don't Mind" quite by accident on a recent trip to the local record shop. Despite the stack of new CD's that I brought home with me (including Depeche Mode, Poe, David Gray, Moby, and Wyclef, among others), the new CTD album was the first to find its way into my CD player. I was wonderfully surprised by the stripped down sound of the album and, contrary to others' assertions that it takes multiple listens, loved the album as it unfolded around me for the first time.
Brad's lyrics are as wistful, whimsical, poignant, and insightful as ever. Although not a huge fan of country music, I love the infusion of twang on this record. I found that the nonchalance of the album title certainly belies the melancholy and longing of his broken-heart songs. And despite the lack of electronic wizardry evinced on "Give Yourself A Hand," the songs themselves are closer in tone and atmosphere to that album than to any other. I can recommend this album unreservedly. It's as good as anything they've put out in the past. I can't quite feature the missing-persons aspect of this outing (with the exception of Brad and Ellen, the band as we've known it is nowhere to be found here), but as rich as the record might have sounded with their participation, it seems to suffer not in the least from their absence. ... ."

Dummies' best album, a real mood piece.

Ryan trask | Rancho Mirage, CA United States | 08/04/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With this album, the latest work from the Crash Test Dummies (barring the rehashed Christmas album Jingle All The Way), megalomaniac (read: Brad owns the band name, but Brad's band is NOT the actual Crash Test Dummies on this album... however, since a few of them appeared on the tour, it was renamed as a CTD album during production) singer Brad Roberts may have constructed the ultimate concept album for one of two situations, the first being hanging out, or driving in, the rain (as contemplated in "On And On"). The second is proposed in "Buzzing Flies": the days when you're sitting on your arse in 100+ degree heat and lamenting your life. Therefore, the whole album has become a soundtrack to my life, as I find myself in both situations frequently. Here are some highlights.The title track opens, featuring a "we're rolling now" intro. It appears they didn't spend a lot of time on some of these tracks in the mixing and editing process. However, these sort of little studio insights give us a real, dare I say, insight to the album itself, and Brad Roberts' mind as well, if you're bold enough to go there. This title track is traditional Dummies with a new country sound, a very minimalist and low-key sound. Ellen Reid delivers an excellent backup vocal performance, as always.Track 2 and second single "On And On" is a simple little number with a catchy melody and one of Roberts' more vibrant lyrical/sonic performances on the album. This is about as loud as it's going to get. Third single and only video "The Day We Never Met" has very clever lyrics about actually falling in love with someone who really doesn't exist. It features an extended piece of music from Brad's Band at the end, which balances the lyrics nicely. One of the nicer pieces of music on the album."Let It Feel Like Something Else" and "Little Secret" are two countrified tracks that could have come off of Give Yourself A Hand, with their keyboard leads and bassier sound. However, they're still rooted in twang, so don't get your hopes up if you want more GYAH."Buzzin' Flies", my personal favorite, features Brad singing over a minimalist guitar line, some drums, and a squeaky old transistor radio. These are some of the best lyrics in the band's catalog IMO. However, it sounds a lot like "On And On" and the next track "Yer Devil Ways", which is again slow and has a rainy-driving feel.First single "Every Morning" is nearly as catchy as "On And On", but from hearing this song on the radio a lot when the album came out, I don't listen to it very often. Has a verse about masturbation, which is the ultimate topic to prove Brad Roberts' megalomania.If you like the sixth album, Jingle All The Way, you'll like "Never Comin' Back". Featuring Ellen Reid and a big bright organ front and center, Brad Roberts jumps in with an excellent vocal and content that juxtaposes nicely against the far-too-upbeat organ line. The band has always been famous for pulling such tricks."Shoot 'Em Up..." is the climax of the record, and one of my favorites. I recommend that readers go and download this song to get at the essence of the album before you buy it. A typical Brad Roberts number. Nothing like it: "I shot an ol' bottle with my favorite gun just last night/
It shattered and the sound made me feel like the king I am". It doesn't get much better than this. Crack open a beer with Brad, sit back, and watch the stars shine. Get them devil women out of yer town. Drive your car faster than you should through a late afternoon rainshower. Get a hangover the next day and try to take your mind off it by sitting out in the sun. But you won't be able to exploit any of these moments till you buy the Crash Test Dummies' best album."