Crash Test Dummies - Give Yourself a Hand

Those who know the Crash Test Dummies from their down-home 1994 chart hit "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" may find themselves humming "Hmm? Hmm? Hmm? Hmm?" this time out. The offbeat but ultimately agreeable Canadian outfit of the past has transformed itself into a group of urban warriors this time out. Elements of electronica, funk, and soul work their way into an assortment of songs with sex on the brain. While baritone-voiced frontman Brad Roberts remains at the center of the sound, keyboardist Ellen Reid steps to the fore with "Just Chillin'" (she puts off a hustle with a curt "I only play myself"), "Get You in the Morning" ("I want it cheap / I want it now / I want it fast"), and "A Little Something" ("It was good on the car / You would go pretty far"--detecting a trend here?). From the oozy opener, "Keep a Lid on Things," through the piano-ballad closer, "Playing Dead" ("I know you hate my guts / I know the nasty things you say / About me to those sluts"), the group opts for the unexpected at every opportunity. The millions of fans who embraced God Shuffled His Feet but were standoffish toward the more daring A Worm's Life are going to have to make some more adjustments. Which begs the question: Was Give Yourself a Hand a smart move for Roberts and company? Maybe not, but hey, they're Dummies, right? --Steven Stolder Amazon.com

not what I expected

This album certainly wasn't what I expected. I love God Shuffled His Feet. Give Yourself a Hand is an entirely different animal. But it's the sort of animal you can't help but love- affectionate, likes to be pet, does a little dance if you hold up a treat, and humps your leg at every opportunity. You may be put off by it at first, but it will soon charm you.
Keep an open mind and give it a proper try and you shan't be disappointed. August 31, 2008

Great Twist

Don't listen to the detractors. As A Worm's Life proved, Crash Test Dummies was getting stale. They did something different, and the end result came out very interesting for anyone who likes a very unique mix. At times electronic, at times soft and somber, at times... just odd. This is really great. If you've only heard "Mmm-mmm-mmm" by these guys, try this out, because you're probably not too fixated on their older sound. March 7, 2007

Something Out of the Ordinary

While this album is nothing one would expect from listening to their previous works, it is nonetheless an amazing album. When I first heard it, I sat back and thought, "WTF? This sounds nothing like what I expected." After listening to it a couple more times I realized that while my expectations were not met, they were instead surpassed once I stopped comparing it to the other albums. The songs are catchy, sexy and fun to listen to. I had the chance to see them perform songs from it live and the songs worked beautifully in concert as well. November 23, 2005

It's different...

This album represented a dramatic difference in sound for the Dummies when it came out. Even though each album is different from the last, this one is like an avant garde hairstyle--you either love it or hate it.

I've been told this was more an "experimental" album than anything. Most of the Brad Roberts songs are relatively slow tempo with the exception of the second track. The second track is really heavy in most places. The majority of the Brad tracks also feature the deep-throated singer's falsetto. It's interesting to say the least.

What makes the album worthy of five stars are tracks three, six, and nine. They are sung by Ellen Reid, who was never featured on the first three albums. Ellen has an incredible voice. These tracks are incredible.

Out of the Brad tracks I like the first one the best. The rest will initially displease those who consider God Shuffled His Feet the benchmark for CTD albums, but they will grow on you with each listen.

The themes in the songs are also different. No more thinking about how a duck knows what direction south is, or telling the ballad of Superman. Nor is there a warning not to stick your tongue on a cold stop sign.

This album is definitely an acquired taste with the exception of the Ellen Reid tracks. September 4, 2005

A real artistic achievement

Everyone should give this album a serious listen. It reminds you that music is art, a product of creativity not marketing strategies. I was impressed with this album as the end point of much evolution in CTD. I didn't even recognize them upon listening to the first few tracks. I enjoyed the addition of new rhythms, sounds and, especially, of Ellen Reed's vocals to all the other good things CTD had going on. Also, my husband perceived the two vocalists as having a sort of conversation about their romantic relationship (which is in trouble). Listening to it that way gives me a whole new perspective. November 27, 2003

More reviews at Amazon.com ...