(UNIVERSITY CITY, MO) For a band to have longevity in the recording industry, it primarily must begin with a combination of solid musicianship and sharp songwriting skills.
At times, a little good fortune doesn’t hurt.
That’s certainly been the case for Canadian collective Crash Test Dummies, who launched their career over three decades ago and continued their journey with Tuesday night’s stop at Delmar Hall in the U-City Loop.
The Winnipeg, Manitoba-based unit scored an international hit with their 1993 single, “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm.” No doubt, the success of the track that reached Top 5 status on the US Billboard charts was primarily based on the strength of song structure, cerebral complexion of lyrics and distinctive “deeeeep” vocals from founding member Brad Roberts.
What also assisted was a very artistic music video that received heavy rotation from MTV at the time and the influx of radio stations that were converting to an “adult-alternative” genre that needed artists to fill the format. Crash Test Dummies easily fit the role and all things aligned for their trajectory.
The band continued to ply their trade through the end of the decade and beyond. Fast forward to the present as the Great White North faction, now collectively older and wiser, was in the process of continuing a 15-city North America tour this week, which included Tuesday’s return to St. Louis since their last appearance in August 2022.
Through no fault of their own, their ride was unfortunately rocky before reaching the Gateway City. An airline baggage snafu Monday saw a good percentage of the group’s equipment not scheduled to arrive in time for their Delmar Hall obligation.
That could have been disastrous, but due to quick hustle by numerous parties, all things ultimately were straightened out between airlines and artist. Again, good luck was on the Crash Test Dummies’ side.
Necessary components made their way to Delmar Hall well in advance of Tuesday’s night promoted show.
Fortunately, everything went on without a hitch. After all, pros proceed that way.
The sextet played a smartly constructed, 80-minute set that pleased their faithful followers and proved why they should rightly remain in today’s musical landscape.
Throughout the night, Roberts’ vocals effectively intertwined with long-time fixture Ellen Reid, while Brad’s brother Dan (bass) and drummer Mitch Dorge laid down effective rhythms.
Brian Ledford – Arch City Media
Contained in the 16-song performance were staples “Afternoons and Coffeespoons,” “Superman’s Song,” and “Ghosts That Haunt Me” while their respective covers of XTC’s “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead” and The Replacements’ “Androgynous” resulted in similar applause.
A three-song encore, concluded by their signature hit, put the final exclamation mark on the evening.
The band was appreciative of the fans’ reception during their final bow.
A hectic, dramatic week started for them but they rolled with the punches and prevailed in the end, both on-stage and off. One has to respect that.
Crash Test Dummies finish their North American tour with stops in Chicago Thursday, Iowa City Friday and Minneapolis Saturday.
For more information, go to their official website.
SETLIST
CRASH TEST DUMMIES
Delmar Hall – St. Louis – 9/17/24
1. The Ghosts That Haunt Me
2. Flying Feeling
3. In the Days of the Caveman
4. I Think I’ll Disappear Now
5. How Does a Duck Know?
6. When I Go Out with Artists
7. The Psychic
8. Androgynous
9. The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead
10. Superman’s Song
11. God Shuffled His Feet
12. Afternoons & Coffeespoons
13. He Liked to Feel It
Encore
14. Heart of Stone
15. Sacred Alphabet
16. Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
