Customer Reviews

Grand Opening

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For years Geggy Tah has snoozed in the back of my brain, filed carelessly under "Novelty Band." This seemed logical to me, since they were the band who sang that classy little novelty song "Whoever You Are" (you remember-- the anti-road-rage anthem with the refrain "All I wanna do is to thank you...") Though that song held up to ad nauseum airplay far better than 99.9% of top-40s, I never bothered to look up their albums.

Six years later, after stumbling over their Grand Opening album, I'm got the same goofy, delighted grin I had on my face the first time I heard "Whoever You Are." And it's *not* the kind of goofy grin you get after listening to a clever Weird Al parody or a self-consciously silly Crash Test Dummies song. Geggy Tah's songs are certainly childlike in their joy, but not in their structure. And I don't feel that they're cute just to be cute, or eclectic just to be eclectic. I get the distinct impression that the Misters Geggy & Tah feel what they sing -- that the exuberance of their music is a natural outgrowth of their love of life and music, rather than a desire to be precious or ponderous.

Then again, maybe I'm hormonal, and am responding to Tommy Jordan's gentle, playful lyrics and vocals. Enough to charm the skin off mere mortals -- walks a delicate line between Peter Pan and Prince (w/o the profanity).

I'd better stop before I gush myself into Geggy Tah Groupie Land -- then no one would take my review seriously! Final verdict: an intelligent, dizzy album full of new sounds and guilt-free elation. Check it out.

...that a band this good has only two albums out. On the one hand it makes it easy to own their complete works, but then there's so little to listen to!

"Grand Opening" is indeed a grand album. There seems to be, in my opinion, a wider variety of songs here than on "Sacred Cow", and several songs like 'P. Sluff' and 'Bomb Fishing' stick in my head, begging to be hummed under my breath at work. 'L.A. Lujah' is a fun little impressionist tribute to the band's hometown, and the pseudo-Gregorian refrain underlying it is a nice touch. Overall this is a nifty little item that should be in the collections of people who like to listen to music outside of the mainstream, whatever that means. Check it out; it's certain you won't be disappointed.

This album is the freshest and funnest thing i've heard in years, but it's not "novelty" music - it's geniune genius. Completely unlike anything you've heard before, but somehow more honest and natural than most of what's out there.

Grand Opening weaves its own outlandish textures of tasty grooves, beautiful melodies and clever lyrics, resulting in a mix that is simultaneously warm, personal, funny and deep.... and musically awesome. Put on the headphones to get the nuances, and crank up the stereo to get the grooves.

Did i mention that it's fun? It has to be said again: it's a really fun album. Gets stuck in your head for days and keeps you happy. It's simply delicious. Can you tell i like it? i'm in love!

Gegg and Tah throw in everything but the kithen sink (including noise and pre-adolescent poetry), and come out with an involving debut album. They think, but they don't make a big deal about it. There are slow spots, but overall this one's worth having.

Geegy Tah's first album puts forth a bizarre arrangment of songs that all have a little spirit of their own. Each cut is rich with musical nuances and compelling rythms, and maintains a warmth that is signature to GT. A bit more brave and unusual than their second album "Sacred Cow", this is a stunning debut album with tremendous musical depth. I think it takes a certain kind of ecclectic musical taste to fully appreicate this band, and maybe a sense of humor, however its spirit will touch even the frumpiest person you know.

This album is the freshest and funnest thing i've heard in years, but it's not "novelty" music - it's geniune genius. Completely unlike anything you've heard before, but somehow more honest and natural than most of what's out there.

Grand Opening weaves its own outlandish textures of tasty grooves, beautiful melodies and clever lyrics, resulting in a mix that is simultaneously warm, personal, funny and deep.... and musically awesome. Put on the headphones to get the nuances, and crank up the stereo to get the grooves.

Did i mention that it's fun? It has to be said again: it's a really fun album. Gets stuck in your head for days and keeps you happy. It's simply delicious. Can you tell i like it? i'm in love!

So you heard of Geggy Tah on a car commercial?

If so, this CD will not be what you expect. Check out their second or third CD.

Grand Opening is amazing, an album they - let alone anyone else - have since been able to reproduce or improve upon, an instant classic. There's nothing like this CD out. It's a twist of weird song concepts set to interesting beats and brilliant harmonies resulting in a magical musical journey.

If you're into milestones in musical history, definately snatch a copy of Grand Opening. If you just like their song on the car commercial, don't bother.

I saw these guys open for Toad the Wet Sprocket back in the summer of 94. Next to Poi Dog (and possibly Great Big Sea), they are simply the best band touring today (I won't count The Other Ones -- dang that Jerry for dying, anyway). Amazing show... nobody knew them and nobody cared, but they brought the crowd (full house, all hot and unhappy to begin with) around in minutes.

They are shockingly good live. The CD is, well, not a fair reflection. But it will hold good memories for those who have seen them.