Soft Rock Cocktail Hour Archives - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJFun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I love Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song! It is such a unique song with all kinds of fun and curious pieces. Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song was the first single of the Canadian folk-rock group Crash Test Dummies and came from their 1991 debut album The Ghosts That Haunt Me. The single was the group’s first hit, charting in both Canada (#4) and the United States (#56). It was also featured in the pilot of the Canadian TV series Due South and appeared on the first Due South soundtrack album.

The song was covered by Lucy Wainwright Roche, daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and Suzzy Roche of The Roches, on her second EP “8 More.” It also has been covered by Nataly Dawn.

Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song Music Video

Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song Story

Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song is a slow funeral dirge, mournfully telling the story of Clark Kent/Superman, as if he had recently died. The central theme is the death of the selfless hero. The song notes that Superman had the power to commit great evil and bring himself unfathomable riches, but instead chose to use his powers for good, while expecting no payment for his deeds.

The chorus emphasizes this theme:

Superman never made any money

For saving the world from Solomon Grundy

And sometimes I despair the world will never see

Another man like him

Throughout the song, Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song, Brad Roberts contrasts Superman and Tarzan, whom he considers a crude, rough, and uncivilized antihero.

This tribute to the Man of Steel predates his eventual death and his replacement by four new heroes claiming to be the “new” Superman.

Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song Video Story

The music video for the song was directed by Dale Heslip and features the band singing at a funeral for Superman attended by various aging superheroes. Some depicted are a middle aged Wonder Woman-like character, The Green Hornet, and possibly Green Lantern (Alan Scott). It won the MuchMusic Video Award for Best Video in 1991.

There is no mistaking Brad Roberts’ voice. He may look like an average guy, now in his mid- 40s, but then he opens his mouth and his majestic baritone voice immediately conjures fond memories of such Crash Test Dummies hits at “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm” and “Superman.” Perhaps best remembered for the acerbic folk rock sound of 1991’s The Ghosts That Haunt Me and 1993’s God Shuffled His Feet, there have nonetheless been enough hits for the band over the years to merit a couple of greatest hits packages. Through it all, the band with Roberts at the helm has touched on funk and soul, folk, electronic music and even Christmas tunes. Yet it is Roberts’ voice and offbeat lyrical sensibility that have been this beloved band’s calling cards since their founding twenty years ago.” Crash Test Dummies Official Site

Where did the Crash Test Dummies get their name?

“Crash Test Dummies was adopted initially as a joke, at the suggestion of a friend in medical school. Apparently through constant use, the name stuck. Among other monikers considered were Skin Graft and the Chemotherapists.”

“I think that when you are dealing with popular music, unless you have a strong melody, sympathetic chords, and a good set of lyrics you ain’t got nothing,” Roberts points out. Foreshadowing the highly entertaining shows for which he is so well known, Roberts adds “I want to have a little room to digress into an anecdote while Stuart strums the guitar, if that’s what I feel like doing.”

I think Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song is such a compelling and interesting tune. Somehow the somber elements contrast so nicely with Roberts Baritone voice and superhero tone and lyrics. It is a fun song for a DJ to play in unique situations.

It has been suggested that Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song would also be a fun ad interesting Father-Daughter Dance at a Wedding for a Bride that wants a song about she feels about her father. Most Father-Daughter Dance Songs are typically about how he feels about the daughter. Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song makes for a nice change of pace if you feel moved to do so. I invite you to contact me about other unique Father-Daughter Dance Songs or any special songs you need ideas.

What do you find most compelling about Crash Test Dummies Superman’s Song?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

I gratefully continue to receive calls from Brides and Grooms requesting their professional Wedding DJ to play Rock Music at the Cocktail Hour and Reception of their Wedding. This makes me happy since Rock Music is not as popular today among younger people as it was before the rise of Hip Hop, Rap and R&B. Of course, just like Hip Hop and Rap, the professional Wedding DJ needs to be mindful of not playing music that is too hyped-up or loud during the Cocktail Hour of Weddings and make sure those who are elderly or want to enjoy conversation and relaxation during the Cocktail Hour, are not overpowered by the music. This is what I created the DJ Soft Rock Cocktail Hour Mix for.

It is hard for me as an ‘old school’ professional DJ to make mixes that cut songs short and segue to songs that maybe do not belong together in order to include enough tunes to offer Brides and Grooms a large enough sample of what we can play at their Cocktail Hour or Reception in a mix like this. I even struggle when doing this with Dance mixes but when it comes to Rock, I struggle greater due to the nature of Rock Music and the integrity of the lyrical content and musicians talent. I guess we all have to make some concessions as professional Wedding DJs to serve our Brides and Grooms best and help them decide what music they want at their weddings.

DJ Soft Rock Cocktail Hour Mix

Soft Rock Cocktail Hour Mix - DJ Mystical Michael

This same mix would also work well as a sample for a Birthday, Anniversary or Reunion Party for those whom would like Rock Music played during Dinner at their event too!