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Big Head Todd and the Monsters House of Blues 1/10/08
A packed crowd showed up Thursday night at the HOB to spend over two hours with one of the best pop blues bands in America, Big Head Todd and the Monsters. BHTM ignited the crowd with a mix of their classics like “Bittersweet” and new tracks. Two covers were among the evening’s highlights. A smooth take on Led Zeppelin’s “Tangerine,” and an electrifying cover of John Lee Hooker’s “Boom, Boom” had the crowd in euphoria.
Ten of the evening’s songs came from their latest album, “All the Love You Need,” which the band is giving away for free on their website. New song, “Ever Since Ya Pulled Me Under,” was the best of the new material played. It grooved with raucous, funky energy. Country-tinged rocker, “Beautiful Rain” finished the show with a final burst of power.
The entire band played tight all evening, but the standout was guitarist, Todd Park Mohr. Mohr’s solos seared with passion and intensity all night. The slow, simmering funk of “Please Don’t Tell Her” was a perfect showcase for Mohr’s bluesy lead guitar style. More folk-based songs like “The Leaving Song” showcased Mohr’s skilled harmonica playing. “Bittersweet” was transformed from a slow building pop-rock anthem into a hypnotic jam.
By putting on a show that pays respect to their influences while creating new songs that are enthralling, all attest to the ability of BHTM. Big Head Todd and the Monsters proved that they are one of America’s most criminally underrated bands.
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