As of now, I cast my vote for Todd Park Mohr as songwriter of the year. The way Todd writes simple pop songs for a three piece band, they sound like symphonies. There's a certain ambience to Big Head Todd and the Monsters' songs in that they just seem to fit the mood perfectly.
All the songs on Beautiful World, BHTM's fifth album, were written by Todd, with the exception of "Boom Boom" which was written by blues legend John Lee Hooker, who contributes guest vocals on the song. The album, produced by Jerry Harrison (Crash Test Dummies, Live, Neurotic Outsiders), is comprised of 12 songs. Some of the more outstanding songs on the album are first single "Resignation Superman", "Tower", "Please Don't Tell Her", and the aforementioned "Boom Boom".
Big Head Todd and the Monsters are amazingly proficient on their instruments - what can you expect after over a decade of playing together? - melding together to create technically perfect songs. Brian Nevin's drums and Rob Squires' bass, the perfect rhythm section, hold down the groove, leaving just enough room for Todd's awe-inspiring guitar playing and singing. Every fan, and even those who aren't, should look up to Big Head Todd and the Monsters for their ability to function as a unit.
It's tough to describe what BHTM sound like. Imagine old rock and roll, real rock and roll, from the early 50's. Then take that and combine it with modern rock (not alternative, not metal). Take that mixture and give it to some technically proficient guys with a lot of soul, who love to tour. Hey, if you've got that, it's a beautiful world.
