AUSTRALIAN IMPORT
A few years back, a comedian spun a routine about misnamed ventures, including such establishments as the First Baptist Motel and Bob and Ed's Savings Bank. This Aussie aggregation, fronted by bad-boy actor Russell Crowe, would seem to fit neatly into that category, but the Gladiator star's presence has put the unsavory moniker on the lips of fans who'd probably ordinarily steer well clear of recorded Grunt-ing. Actually, TOFOG (as they've come to be called) aren't nearly as gnarly as you might think, getting by on the strength of strongly strummed acoustic guitars and Crowe's moody (if somewhat limited) baritone rasp. Crowe proves he's every bit as adept at slipping in and out of characters on disc as he is on screen. TOFOG aren't, however, just another example of Hollywood hubris: Bastard Life of Clarity is actually the band's fourth album (albeit the first to attain Stateside release), and while Crowe is clearly the focal point, he allows ample room for his bandmates to shine. While not an overwhelming effort, Bastard Life of Clarity has a surprisingly subtle charm -- one that can sneak up and win over even the cynics.
Condition: Brand New Factory Sealed
TRACK LISTING
1 Things Have Got to Change 3:58
2 Memorial Day 4:19
3 Hold You 4:09
4 Sail Those Same Oceans 5:11
5 The Legend of Barry Kable 4:56
6 Somebody Else's Princess 3:50
7 Wendy 4:27
8 The Night That Davey Hit the Train 3:32
9 Swept Away Bayou (Facing the Headlights Alone) 3:34
10 Judas Cart (Si Bheag, Si Mhor) 2:26
|