Search - Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts Featuring Russel Crowe :: Other Ways of Speaking

Thanks TOFOG, OWOS is divine!

True Blue TOFOG Fan | SoWest USA | 04/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Russell Crowe or Rock Fans Only (It is not pop!)

E. PAU | Vancouver, British Columbia Canada | 04/11/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Others Ways of Listening

Derek Ginn | Atlanta, GA | 04/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was well impressed with this album. It's got a wide variety of songs, styles, and great lyrics. Of course some songs are better than others, but I've only just begun enjoying this CD. It's one of those rare finds that you can put in, listen to in it's entirety, and simply enjoy. Nothing on this CD bugged the hell out of me. I rather enjoy it!"