Customer Reviews

Live Monsters

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ever buy a CD and think "why did I buy this?" afterwards? Having not been a big fan of BHTM before I bought this album, that's exactly what I thought. However, it only took a few listens and I was hooked. This album is fantastic! Especially if you like the blues or old-time rock & roll. The music selection comes primarily from three of the band's studio albums but what makes it work is the energy they generate in the performances. Simply awesome. Todd Park Mohr's guitar work is excellent and Squires and Nevin's rhythm section is fantastic. The backup singer has a voice like a church organ. If you are a fan of John Lee Hooker, Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, or Blues Traveler you should give this album a shot.

EDIT: It's been four years since I wrote my original review and I felt a need to to add this thought: this is one of a handful of albums that I have encountered in my life that I would rate with 6 stars if it were an option. It's THAT good. There is not another album on the planet that I could recommend more.

Some of you do not know whether or not you like BHT&TM. I didn't like them that much prior to buying this CD. However, I was checking it out on iTunes last year and really liked what I was hearing. Yadda, yadda, yadda...

Honestly, I listen to this CD every morning while I get ready for work, and I have no no no regrets from buying the album. This is really an epic live rock recording. I saw them live in Sun Valley... this is a band that needs to be seen live. The cd is the next best thing. This CD captures the moment/feeling quite well. Highly recommended.

Quintessential Colorado band Big Head Todd and the Monsters (BHTM) has finally given its fans what they have desired for years: a full-length collection of their live hits. Recorded over the last few years at shows in some of the band's favorite towns - including Denver, Chicago, and Austin - "Live Monsters" is an outstanding retrospective of all that the three-piece band has accomplished over the last decade. Without delay, the disc starts of with a finely-tuned version of their best-known hit, 1993's sultry "Bittersweet." Listening to Todd Park Mohr's heavy voice carry the words over finely-crafted chords, accompanied by well-timed drums and subtle bass from Brian Nevin and Rob Squires, is a great study in the contrast of the illusion of being love and its reality. The highlight of the disk has to be Vincent of Jersey/Leaving song, the combination that probably gets the most screams from the group's audiences. With high-pitched harmonica wailing over a locomotive guitar, the listener actuallys feel the ground shaking as the crowd sings along "What will you do/When I am....GONE?!" This album is highly recommended to anyone who wants a reminder of how moving, stirring, and fun simple rock & roll can be. Don't miss guest vocals from Hazel Miller on songs like "It's Alright" and "If You Can't Slow Down." She is a talented vocalist and adds a completely new dimension to the band when they are on the road.

Go ahead. Gas up the car. Check the oil while you're at it, 'cause when this gem spins down you're going to be someplace else entirely. From poignant (Bittersweet), through bluesy grinds(Broken Hearted Stranger) to speeding-ticket rockers (Resignation Superman, Circle) Todd and the Monsters deliver the kind of intelligence, hooks, and energy that define a road trip. Sure, there're a few clinkers - it's live college rock. If you want slick, stick with Steely Dan. Likely as not you'll be hoarse by the last track, though, and you'll wonder how Mohr keeps his expressive and flexible voice together through a full live set.
And there may be something to the idea that it's a Colorado thing - the Samples are another of that state's bands that can deliver at this level.

Stronger than truck stop coffee!

I was not a fan before I purchased this album, but thought I would take a flier on it anyway since I did like a couple of their songs. Now, this is one of those CD's that that stays in the player almost all the time. There is a great deal of variety in song styles, tempo, and flavor. Definitely something for everyone. Look at it this way: Most people don't ask what's playing on the stereo becuase they either know it or don't like it. This CD, people say "wow, who is that?!" One word of caution, don't let your friends borrow it-they may nver give it back!

The album brings BHTM in person shows, live to your living room. Every cut is great. Simply the Best!

I love this CD, it is one of the best live albums that I've heard.

A while back we had both our sons and their families over for a BBQ. The lawnchairs were gathered around a campfire in the back yard. My 27 year old son says "It's time for some BHTM" and proceeded over to his pickup to throw in a CD. My 30 year old son said "Cool". I'm a fan of all types of music but had no idea what I was about to experience would become an obsession for me. Live Monsters is the BEST cd I have ever listened to. That night it played over and over and over again. We never tired. One son commented Live Monsters is the ultimate throw back a beer sitting round a fire music. I can't help but agree. I'm totally turned on to BHTM. Purchase this cd and you will be too.

Just can't emphasize enough how fantastic this record is and I am a MAJOR music fan always looking for truly great stuff. Deserves to be rediscovered by music lovers hungry for great music. Skip their studio stuff -- THIS is the record to have. I didn't discover these guys until well after their hey-day at radio. Had Calexico, Cat Power, Patty Griffin & Michael Franti's Yell Fire (all hightly recommended) in my player tonight & pulled this out. Blown away once again!!! Just fantastic.

After having practically worn out the Sister Sweetly CD, I was very excited to get my hands on Live Monsters. I was hooked the first time I listened to it, and I haven't stopped listening since. Resignation Superman and Please Don't Tell Her stand out as great live cuts. Tower and If You Can't Slow Down are so powerful and they really catch the essence of the live show. The addition of backing female vocals adds new life to these classic tunes. If you are already a fan, treat yourself to this slice of the live experience.