Album Review — Ty Tabor

Ty Tabor — Alien Beans

Anyone that knows me knows of my love of King’s X. Ty Tabor is the secret weapon of that band. His guitar riffs and harmony vocals give the band their sound. Tabor has been releasing solo albums since the early 90s as well as playing in a number of side bands. Alien Beans is a two CD set — the first disc of all new material and the second of remastered songs from recent solo records.

I’ll concentrate on the new songs although getting the second bonus disc brings great value to this release.

Of course, this record is loaded with fantastic guitar riffs. Tabor truly is a master. Somehow Tabor has written 30+ years of riffs but each one is unique. Tabor doesn’t get a lot of lead vocal duty in King’s X, but he has a great voice. He sounds like a hard rock John Lennon. He’s in fine form on Alien Beans.

This record isn’t much of a departure from King’s X musically. Tabor’s guitar is more up front in the mix and the centerpiece of each song. I hear a little bit of Gretchen-era in “Heavily Twisted”, a little Ear Candy in “Freight Train” but “Somebody Lied” has a more southern rock groove. Tabor’s solo records usually include a melancholy/ambient song and “Deeper Place” is the one on Alien Beans and closes the record out.

It’s hard to pick a favorite song as the album is so strong. Right now I vacillate between “This Time” — a thoughtful mid-tempo song with a cool combination of clean and distorted guitars — and “Back It Down” — a more aggressive tune with a fantastic riff running through the song.

There isn’t a weak song on the record and even the opening one minute instrumental sets the mood for what’s to come.

It’s still very early but I’m guessing this record is going to be one of the strongest of the year. If you like King’s X this is definitely something you need to pick up. The second bonus disc truly is a great bonus and makes the package even better.

Grade — 95 out of 100

Track Listing

CD 1:

1. Alien Beans
2. Freight Train
3. Johnny Guitar *
4. So here’s To You *
5. Back it Down *
6. Somebody Lied *
7. This Time *
8. Heavily Twisted
9. Until this Day is Done
10. Deeper Place *

CD 2:

1. ’Cause We Believe (Blame It)
2. Free Yourself
3. Ride
4. Senseless Paranoia
5. Money Mouth
6. Fast Asleep
7. Politician’s Creed
8. Play
9. Bring it on Back
10. Nobody Wins When Nobody Plays
11. Change