… Read Full Bio ↴The Crash Test Dummies is a Canadian rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The band is most identifiable through Brad Roberts (vocals, guitar) and his distinctive bass-baritone voice. The band members have fluctuated over the years, but its best known line-up consisted of Roberts, Ellen Reid (co-vocals, keyboards), Brad's brother Dan Roberts (bass guitar, backing vocals), Benjamin Darvill (harmonica, mandolin), and Mitch Dorge (drums, percussion). The band is best known internationally for their 1993 single "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" and best known in Canada for the 1991 single "Superman's Song".
After a multi-year hiatus, the band returned in 2015 with a tour and the new charity single "Promised Land" which was a collaboration with Marc Mysterio[1] following up his remix of "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm".
The origin of the Crash Test Dummies is tied to the history of two Winnipeg nightspots, the Spectrum Cabaret and the Blue Note Cafe, owned by Curtis Riddell.
In the mid-1980s, Riddell joined with Brad Roberts to form the decidedly less-than-serious bar band Bad Brad Roberts and the St. James Rhythm Pigs. Over time, the band evolved into the Crash Test Dummies, a name suggested by a friend of the band who was in medical school. The diagnostic mannequin, known colloquially as a crash test dummy, was known to the public already by this time. Ellen Reid and Benjamin Darvill became permanent additions. George West, the original bass player, quit and was replaced by Dan Roberts, Brad's brother. Riddell was replaced by Vince Lambert, who was fired and replaced by Mitch Dorge just before the release of The Ghosts That Haunt Me.
After signing with BMG Records in 1991, the band signed with manager Jeff Rogers (Swell).
In the summer of 2017, the full band, except Benjamin Darvill, reunited for a show in Winnipeg and Brad Roberts went on a tour of South Africa in early 2018.
In July 2018, a reunited photo of Brad Roberts, Ellen Reid, Dan Roberts, and Mitch Dorge was posted on the official Crash Test Dummies Facebook page, along with the announcement of Canadian Tour Dates for the fall.
Throughout their career, Crash Test Dummies have experimented with many different styles and genres of music. These styles include the acoustic folk rock of The Ghosts That Haunt Me, the electric alternative rock of A Worm's Life, the urban influences of Give Yourself a Hand, and the optigan-based compositions of Oooh La La!.
Crash Test Dummies recorded as a full five piece band from their debut album The Ghosts That Haunt Me until Give Yourself a Hand. At this time, the most notable instrumentation of the band's music included Brad Roberts' lead guitar, Ellen Reid's keyboards, and Benjamin Darvill's harmonica. Another notable element of Crash Test Dummies' music are the contrasting harmonies between Brad Roberts' deep lead vocals and Ellen Reid's backing vocals in the higher register.
Beginning with I Don't Care That You Don't Mind in 2001, the band's albums were recorded primarily by Brad Roberts, Ellen Reid, and a rotating roster of session musicians.
One of the biggest influences for Brad Roberts was the band XTC and Andy Partridge in particular. The band even went on to cover two of XTC's songs: "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" for the soundtrack to the film Dumb and Dumber, and "All You Pretty Girls" for the XTC tribute album A Testimonial Dinner.
Silent Night
Crash Test Dummies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing alleluia
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
The lyrics to the traditional Christmas carol, Silent Night, speak to the beauty, tranquility, and grace of the night when Jesus Christ was born. The song begins by describing the peaceful and bright setting in which the virgin Mary and her infant child are resting. The singer wishes for them to sleep in heavenly peace, emphasizing the safety and protection that surrounds them in this moment.
The second verse describes the reaction of the shepherds when they see the glories streaming down from heaven. The singer invokes the presence of the heavenly hosts, who sing "alleluia," or praises, to the Christ child who has been born. This verse highlights the miraculous nature of the event, as well as the unity between heaven and earth that it represents.
The final verse speaks directly to the Christ child, describing him as the "Son of God" and "love's pure light." The radiant beams from his holy face represent the dawn of "redeeming grace," suggesting that his birth marks a new beginning and a turning point in the history of humanity. The song ends by invoking Jesus as "Lord," affirming his role as a powerful and influential leader.
Overall, the lyrics to Silent Night connect to the spiritual and emotional aspects of Christmas, emphasizing themes of peace, love, and hope. As a holiday staple and a beloved classic, the song continues to evoke powerful emotions in listeners of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
Silent night, holy night
The night is quiet and holy
All is calm, all is bright
Everything is peaceful and shining brightly
Round yon virgin mother and child
The mother and child are together and surrounded by love
Holy infant so tender and mild
The baby is pure and delicate
Sleep in heavenly peace
The baby is asleep and at peace in heaven
Shepherds quake at the sight
The shepherds are scared by what they see
Glories stream from heaven afar
Glory is shining down from far away in heaven
Heavenly hosts sing alleluia
Angels in heaven sing praise to God
Christ the Savior is born
Jesus, the Savior, has been born
Son of God, love's pure light
Jesus is the child of God and represents pure love
Radiant beams from thy holy face
Light shines from the face of Jesus
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus brings the hope of salvation and forgiveness
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
Jesus, the Lord, was born on this night
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Traditional (pd), David Foster, Rod Stewart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@211tfahey
Ellen's voice is so great. Happy Thanksgiving from the States and Merry Christmas CTD!
@jasonwilliams6005
Ellen sings this beautifully. And the music is wonderful.
@TaraWilson1010
🎉 Very excited!! Sending love from Baton Rouge!! 💙💙
@jabbarmuhammad8804
That was really good I like it
@imperialsaboteur8391
Great job!
@ezgezg8618
🍻 from Edmonton
@brendaadamson1769
So pumped up for the tour!!!!
@edwardfortesque
Love from Mpls saw y'all at Parkway theatre while i was passing through. Awesome show. Beatiful assembly of humans with amazing talents.
@bobjohnson9597
I searched what happened to crash test dummies band and found this beautiful song. A little confuse as i always thought you guys were god haters. You guys even terrifies my little kid the first time he heard the mmmmmm song
@Drambles77
Vackra!