Customer Reviews

Midnight Radio

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Big Head Todd and the Monsters' 1990 sophomore release, "Midnight Radio" is the band's finest album and is one of my all-time favorite rock-n-roll albums. This CD has remained in my rotation since I first discovered during college in 1993. Everyone has a couple of CDs that brings back memories of the dorm room, drinking beer, and playing cards. This album is that kind of record. To me, this CD holds its own with the likes of "The Joshua Tree", "Exile on Main St", "Born to Run", "Anodyne" "Trace" or "August and Everything After".

Do not expect the CD to sound like their later, more polished and commercially successful release "Sister Sweetly". Although not a true live album, the record is a combination of material from sound checks, club shows, and basement jam sessions. It includes an earlier (and rawer) version of their later semi-hit "Bittersweet". Todd Mohr's guitar playing and vocals throughout the CD, and especially on "The Leaving Song", "Dinner with Ivan", and "The Moose Song" are reminiscent of Mark Knopfler. This is one of those great road trip CDs. It is no wonder that the Washington Post named "Midnight Radio" one of the top 10 albums of 1990. It is a shame that subsequent BHTM releases haven't been nearly as great at this one. I highly recommend!

This is by far their best album so far(and I would argue it will be ever). BHTM captured such humanity and spontaneity on this album, that it will be hard to reproduce again. Mainly, this is because of the live, un-edited, four track digital recording process that they recorded it with. This process allowed for minor,subtle imperfections to show through in a way that made the album so unique, free-spirited, and, again, humanistic. The album, however, is "tight" through and through, and can this be felt on Todd Park Mohr's guitar solos. Mohr is no doubt one of the more talented, creative guitarists around today. Tracks that stand out are "Midnight Radio", "The Moose Song", "Dinner With Ivan", and the popular "Bittersweet"-(better than on Sister Sweetly). Moreover, I think the content of the album(i.e. music and lyrics) are unprecedented. This album is the kind of album that grows on you until you finally feel its true message. I am sure I have listened to this album over a thousand times and I have never once thought I was bored or un-entertained by it!!! By this album. You will not be disappointed.

This is by far the bands best effort. It is one of those albums that you can listen to over and over and never get sick of. Todd Park Mohrs bluesy voice and energetic guitar riffs will definately leave a lasting imprint. It is more raw than any of their albums that follow. Probably because they recorded this in the boulder theater. I also think Todd Park Mohr used a different guitar on this album ( note the difference in bittersweet as opposed to the Sister Sweetly version). I rate this album to be in my top five of all time.

Thirteen years later, I still love this album. It's still my favorite album by Big Head Todd & the Monsters - and that's not for lack of them releasing great music both before and after this. In fact, Midnight Radio one of my favorite albums period. My old tape wore out a few years ago so I bought it again on CD.

This is the first album I have ever taken the time to review. It is simply the best album ever made. I constantly go back to it when I need to get a lift. Unlike many of my old favorite CDs collecting dust this album continues to get use. The raw live recording style that Big Head used in recording this album make it unique. To bad they moved away from this format.

And it's not even close. A must have if you like BHT or just good singer/songwriter type music.

I'll keep this simple, as others have covered this album in detail. I came across this album in 1992 and it immediately made it's way into my all-time top 5. This is an incredible album, period.

The Monsters have spent a career trying to successfully polish up the sound captured on this CD, but it is the raw live, 2-tracked sound of "Midnight Radio" that remains their most immediate, blood-firing work. I hear the newer "Live at the Fillmore" CD is pretty good, too.

Some blazing guitar and ensemble work here, with just enough edge and sound-quality issues to scare off more fair-weather fans. But this is the one. Well worth seeking out.

If you are a BHTM fan, or you are new to them, you have to have this CD. Early acoustcal and creative work. Early Bittersweet rendition. Passion for the music. You really need to experience where the band and come from to where they are now.. it is important to be a part of these creative artists musical journey. Incredible music... Ann Arbour Grandfather a folk song come alive with feeling... man.

Where do I begin with Midnight Radio? By far my favorite album from top to bottom. Nostalgia is only the beginning for me. I could probably break down each song by verse and tell you why the are amazing but I'll only highlight what each Big Head Todd virgin needs to know.

-Understand that the music in this album was recorded either live or in someone's basement giving it a rawness second to none.

-Upbeat songs like "Moose Song" (personal favorite), "Leaving" take you for a ride with the music alone and the lyrics fuel the vehicle.

-"Bittersweet" the most popular Big Head song, in its original casing and not the studio version, will challenge every relationship you've been in.

-Slower, deeper songs like "Love Betsy" and "Dinner with Ivan" are beautifully written and performed to perfection.

Todd Park Mohr's voice is unrivaled in it's unfiltered state. Completely underrated in this CD are the drums. INTENSE at some points and subtle but never unnoticed in others. Do yourself a favor, get this disk, plan a road trip, leave at dusk, put in Midnight Radio, "turn the key and take a drive......."