Thank goodness Big Head Todd and the Monsters refuse to sell out. Because every last song on their latest release, Crimes of Passion, is a beautiful piece of work, none of which, undoubtedly, could get radio airplay.

After their 1993 hit album Sister Sweetly went platinum, Giant Records asked Big Head Todd and the Monsters for more, more, more and Todd Park Mohr just shook his big head. Now 11 years later this move is still being felt as Crimes of Passion (the band's eighth album) unleashes a mix of Delta blues, dirty rock 'n roll and soulful ballads for all who are willing to lap it up.

Mohr heads the trio, which formed in 1986, leading the way on guitars, keyboards, saxophone and vocals, while Rob Squires pounds out the bass and Brian Nevin provides drums and percussion. Mohr also produced Crimes of Passion, which was partially recorded in his own solar-powered studio.

The album opens with the driving blues of "Dirty Juice," and Mohr's booze-soaked vocals pour through as something deep and comfortable. Big Head Todd and the Monsters continue, providing an even balance of southern rockers and heartfelt slow-cookers, with the ballads truly shining thanks to Mohr's storytelling ability.

While just about every song mentions a woman, the content runs deeper than girlfriends and old crushes.

"The wealthy killed each other and the poor gave up a smile/'Cause 750 days without a drop of rain made everyone the same" jumps out in "Drought of 2013."

The opening lines of "Conquistadors" features the statement "Dishin' them 'lectric blues in an old school way" and while Mohr is referring to greats John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, he could just as well be referring to himself.

But Big Head Todd and the Monsters saved the best for last, throwing in "Peacemaker's Blues," which could have been composed and sung by Bob Dylan himself. Mohr alternates between spoken-word mutterings and wails on the harmonica as he comes to the conclusion that all too often "peace on earth can't be found."

Plain and simple, Crimes of Passion is a fine accomplishment. Which goes to say, Big Head Todd has every right to have a big head.

Grade: AB