June 16, 1993

Big Head Beavis

Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Sister Sweetly (Giant 1993) -- Sister Sweetly is the major label debut by Big Head Todd and the Monsters, following two prior independent releases. BHTM is a Colorado-based trio with a sound that's hard to pigeonhole --let's call it guitar-based pop/rock with a blues edge. Wait, that sounds too esoteric. Let's just call it rock and roll.

Standout songs on Sister Sweetly include "It's All Right" (which sounds like Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door") and "Bittersweet" (which sounds like Elvis Costello from the early '80s). As far as I know, no local radio stations are giving any air time to BHTM, which is a shame. Its hype, not quality, that gets the air play. You'll have to take a chance on this one. If you like guitar-based rock, you'll like BHTM.

Short Takes -- Speaking of Bob Dylan, his new acoustic album Good As I Been To You (Columbia 1992) is like the return of a long lost friend. In other words, it's cozy and familiar. Bob's voice may be fading, but the feeling is still there. If you like Bob Dylan, you'll like Good As I Been To You.

On the other hand, I can't figure out Elvis Costello's The Juliet Letters (Warner Bros. 1993). In the early days, Mr. MacManus could rock with the best of them (and if you don't believe me, go get a copy of the classic My Aim is True and listen to it a few times. You'll be converted). Elvis' last few releases have been really disappointing, and The Juliet Letters continues the trend. Avoid this recording.

Beavis and Butthead -- Beavis and Butthead are two high school-age characters in a cartoon appearing nightly on MTV. Be warned. This ain't no Brady Bunch. Beavis and Butthead are borderline delinquents. The artwork is amateurish. The humor is often sophomoric. Some of the messages are antisocial.

On the other hand, Beavis and Butthead can be very, very funny (even my wife likes them). The show features short animated segments (and it sure looks like life in high school for the average hormonally oversurged male hasn't changed much in the last 20 years) sandwiched between lots of clips from music videos. Beavis and Butthead make pointed and amazingly insightful (and often hilarious) comments about the bands and the videos. Best of all, its free (if you have cable).

I just saw the episode where Beavis and Butthead were working in the fast-food restaurant and tormented an old codger in the drive-through lane by deliberately delaying his order for half an hour. Every time the customer asked for help, they responded with "Huh?" It was outrageous. I laughed a lot. Check out Beavis and Butthead. You'll laugh too.

-- Randy Krbechek

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