Search - Jughead :: Jughead

That's really 3.5 stars... Pop rock with better vocals

David Koblentz | Edison, New Jersey | 08/13/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Jughead is yet another of Ty Tabor's (King's X guitarist) side projects. While one might wonder if they start to sound alike they most certainly don't. The diversity of sound between his recent solo album (Safety), side project (Jelly Jam) and this album is amazing. This album shoots for a mainstream pop rock feel in the vein of such contemporary artists such as Foo Fighters, Bush, and Stone Temple Pilots all the while still encompassing Ty's 70's rock influence and Beatles (vocal) tendencies. The writing is rather straight forward (amazing considering the pedigree of musicians included) and is full of hooks. At times it is a bit too much like the contemporary radio rock (see: Halfway Home to Elvis, Bullet Train). Unlike Ty's other recent works he is not the lead vocalist (except on 'Promise' and 'Shame on the Butterflies'). Matt Bissonette's vocals work well here with Ty backing. Gregg's drumming seems to fit the song structure very well throughout. Derek's (known for his work with Dream Theater and Planet X) keyboard playing is almost all the way in the back, really just used to pepper the sound of the tunes (don't look for jazzy elements here). Over all we get some real nice pop rock tunes that really catch your ear with memorable hooks and vocals. "Paging Willie Mays" is a jaw dropper, gorgeous all the way around. The production on this CD is stellar (done by Ty). The instruments all sound clear and the vocals are fantastic. This may be a CD made by "serious musicians" but this is most definitely an accesible CD to any listener/fan of the aforementioned bands.
Highlights: 'Snow in Tahiti', 'Promise',Yesterday I Found Myself', 'Be Like You' and 'Paging Willie Mays'"

Best pop album you'll never hear on the radio

Rev Ed | Houston, Texas | 12/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't let yourself get cheated out of a fantastic cd. You won't hear this one on Clear Channel, but you should. Good indie music like this is why I refuse to listen to rock radio anymore. I hear a lot of Foo Fighters and The Beatles weaved into this album along with a uniqueness that is hard to describe. I hope that we will be blessed with a second cd from these guys. This has got to be as another reviewer stated, Ty Tabor's best side collaboration yet. More Ty lead vocals would have been nice, but a group effort is a group effort and Matt, Gregg and Derek are excellent. In my opinion, this blows away everything new I've listened to in the last two years. BUY IT!!!"

Mustard Seeds + Ty Tabor

A. Mason | Santee, CA USA | 09/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've always been bummed there wasn't a 3rd Mustard Seeds album. This is even better - toss Ty Tabor in the mix and you've got a thoroughly enjoyable pop-rock album. High "sing along in the car" factor. Songs sound more like the 2nd Mustard Seeds album than any Kings X stuff. Ty is evident on the backing vocals, but only sings lead on one track. Derek on keys is mostly buried in the mix - in fact, I didn't even notice the keyboards until the end of track 4. He's mostly there to thicken it up with organ sounds."