These days CTD consists of two longtime members plus a few friends to fill out the sound. Of course, the baritone voice belonging to Brad Roberts is still the center of the Dummies universe, while Ellen Reid continues to handle vocals, harmonies and various keyboards. Writing on his blog in 2008, Roberts said other members were busy with their personal lives and projects and lived far from his New York City home.

The new album – Oooh La-La – arrives in stores May 11 and features a number called “And It’s Beautiful,” which Roberts describes as the first real love song he’s ever written.

“I’ve gone out of my way to not write love songs,” Roberts said. “I made an exception at this point in my life.”

Apparently Reid was also surprised at Roberts’ sudden veer into love song territory.

“My backup singer Ellen was shocked when she saw the lyrics,” Roberts said. “She said, ‘What happened to Brad? Is he on Ecstasy or something? He’s never written a happy song in his life!’”

Hmmm… Is the world ready for a “happy” Brad Roberts? Guess we’ll find out when the tour launches May 11 in Philadelphia at World Café Live. Other stops include Northampton, Mass., at the Iron Horse Music Hall May 14; Cleveland at Beachland Ballroom May 18; Chicago at Martyr’s May 22; Seattle at Triple Door June 5 and Los Angeles at Hotel Café June 9. With a few new additions to the schedule, the last date is now June 12 in Solana Beach, Calif., at Belly Up Tavern.

For more information on Crash Test Dummies, including the tour, the new album and just how happy Roberts is feeling these days, just click here for the band’s website.