Live Monsters [LIVE]

Big Head Todd & The Monsters

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 10, 1998)
• Original Release Date: November 10, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Giant Records / Wea
• ASIN: B00000DGUW
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,824 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Few modern rockers have managed to capture the ephemeral combination of sloppy and serious that earmarked the Band in its prime. That vibe--sounding four-beers casual during a soberly determined performance--accounts for the success of bluesy Big Head Todd & The Monsters; this Boulder, Colorado, group's jammy mix is simultaneously dirty and clean, offhanded and acute, backwoods and scholarly. It's nothing new, as these so-so concert-tracked numbers attest. But there's something there in the performance, a faint glimmer of bygone Band brilliance, that breathes life into pedestrian BHT standards such as "Tangerine," "It's Alright," and the breakthrough hit "Bittersweet." The crowd dutifully goes wild over every muddled note, however, picking up on that sloppy/serious thing more immediately in the flesh. As a live document, even a case for fame, Live Monsters will leave many scratching their befuddled noggins. Why these guys? And did we remember to turn the porch light on before we left for the show tonight? There are no clear-cut answers. Just a lot of jamming and that weird vintage vibe. --Tom Lanham

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Plain Wow!, July 11, 2002

By	Frank Moore (Derry, NH United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This CD will change your listening pattern for a long time, October 17, 2004

By	Nate (san antone, TX) - See all my reviews

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for any BHTM (or any rock & roll) fan, November 19, 1998

By	Ryan Batty (Denver (formerly DC)) - See all my reviews

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.