It's often been said that the studio recordings of the horribly named Colorado roots-rock trio Big Head Todd and the Monsters fail to accurately capture the fluent stylistic shifts the band makes effortlessly in concert. T... more »hat may be true, but it's hard to nitpick when the trade-off is the woodsy, well-crafted and smooth Americana showcased on their self-produced Riviera. Frontman Todd Park Mohr's honeyed voice falls somewhere between yearning and world weary, and when he gets harmonic assists, notably on standout tracks like the driving, poppy, soon-to-be-chestnut "Wishing Well," the results are quietly thrilling. The slow-cooking "Gary Indiana Blues" delivers just what you'd expect from a song with that title, while the melody within the pleading, propulsive album opener, "Julianna," is every bit as pretty as its protagonist, even if she's about to walk out the door on our man. Riviera isn't likely to bust open all kinds of new doors for the combo, but for their dedicated following--and anyone seeking so-honest-you-can-taste-it adult contemporary rock with shades of jazz and blues--you can't go wrong. --Kim Hughes« less
It's often been said that the studio recordings of the horribly named Colorado roots-rock trio Big Head Todd and the Monsters fail to accurately capture the fluent stylistic shifts the band makes effortlessly in concert. That may be true, but it's hard to nitpick when the trade-off is the woodsy, well-crafted and smooth Americana showcased on their self-produced Riviera. Frontman Todd Park Mohr's honeyed voice falls somewhere between yearning and world weary, and when he gets harmonic assists, notably on standout tracks like the driving, poppy, soon-to-be-chestnut "Wishing Well," the results are quietly thrilling. The slow-cooking "Gary Indiana Blues" delivers just what you'd expect from a song with that title, while the melody within the pleading, propulsive album opener, "Julianna," is every bit as pretty as its protagonist, even if she's about to walk out the door on our man. Riviera isn't likely to bust open all kinds of new doors for the combo, but for their dedicated following--and anyone seeking so-honest-you-can-taste-it adult contemporary rock with shades of jazz and blues--you can't go wrong. --Kim Hughes
"I've been following these guys since '93. I have every one of their albums, I'm that loyal. But I need to do something for the masses on this one, it is SO damned good. Do you want raw Telecaster guitar riffs? A voice that ranges from raspy blues to honeysweet folk? Lyrics driven by melody? And most importantly, an absolutely genius hook on almost every song? Todd writes, sings, and plays together as a package as good as anyone out there. His songs are pure energy, pure life, inspiration. This one will have you feeling good about everything, and especially the gift that is BHTM. Thanks guys."
This album Rocks!
Scott Horton | Walnut Creek, CA United States | 04/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Big Head Todd are Back! I thought Beautiful World was an o.k album. However, I like the earlier works much better. Another Mayberry is one of my favorite Todd albums. This album reminds me of the earlier stuff. No dissing to Hazel, but gone are the Back-up vocals, and the keyboards- Gone! Straight up Guitar, Bass, and Drums- kickin' Ass! Todd's vocals and lyrics are solid. I love the first song Julianna. The whole album is brilliant. If you like Big Head Todd and the Monsters, especially the earlier works, you will love this album. If you like straight up, good groovin' rock & roll, you will love this album.
I can't wait for them to come back to the bay area, I hope they play the fillmore again- I've seen them there twice."
BHTM has done it again, Good job guys!
Scott Larson | Minneapolis, MN | 03/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I started my voyage to Big Head Todd and the Monster becoming my favorite band in 1993. Their album Sister Sweetly gave a new definition to the term rock and roll in midst of the grunge and alternative movement. The sounds of the "Sister Sweetly" their follow up album "Strategem" and now "Riviera" are all a soundtrack for real life. The raw emotion and power of their music will move you, and most likely inspire you to make the most out of living. The album "Midnight Radio" will probably always be my favorite album, but now with the release of "Riviera" I will have to give that some serious thought. So now that I have rambled on about my feelings toward the band I will give you my review. The new album from BHTM has everything that you expect form this band. The incredible guitar, and vocal work of Todd Park Mohr, and the strong flawless back up of Brian Nevin and Rob Sqires on the drums, bass, and backup vocals. As with all BHTM albums, this one too has a different sound but would fall into the Sister Sweetly and Strategem category. This album rocks from the beginning to the end. And although it was a VERY LONG 4 1/2 year wait for the release of this studio album it was definitely worth it. And to the guys from BHTM... Thank you for your music and all that it means to me."
A Great Surprise!
Scott Horton | 01/14/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I bought it used (for about $4) because I was in the mood to try something new and I've always liked Sister Sweetly. I was a little amprehensive at first because I've heard only average things about their work after Sister... I'm happy to report that I was very pleasantly surprised by this CD. There are several stand out tracks on the disc and still more that are very strong. This disc stands against Sister Sweetly song for song and if you are new to BHTM you would be happy starting off with either CD."
Hit it on the HEAD!
Jeff Stackhouse | kenmore, ny United States | 06/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Big Head Todd and the Monsters are back with a vengeance on their new release, Riviera. This marks the first release buy the Monsters since Beautiful World's 97' release.
Lets first talk about whats bad about this album...NOTHING! This thing rocks straight out of the gate. The bluesy, soulful vocals and guitar playing by Mohr our out of this world. We cant forget also about the great rhythm section behind Mohr, they never seem to get much attention.
Every track is great, each with its own identity, from the hard driving Freedom Fighter, to the bluesy Gary Indiana Blues.
Get this album, and see for yourself! Get out and seem them live, and you'll be amazed!!"