Customer Reviews

Moonflower Lane

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're one of those King's X fans that likes most of the songs that Ty Tabor sings, (like me), then you're in for a treat with this record. It is in general not as hard as most King's X material, and the guitarist doesn't go overboard with technical acrobatics, opting for a more "power pop" sound. His reflective anthem/opener, "I Do", is smothered in lush chorus harmonies, and a great verse hook, accompanied by a blistering standout solo. "Live in Your House" is a great driving rock song concerning the church, and "The Truth" has a pleasant "summer day" feel. Ballads like the charming acoustic "Walk with my Love", (with another blistering solo), and the more somber "Her Palace" instantly stick in your head. With one terrific track after another, "Moonflower Lane" is a wonderful solo effort.

When I first became a fan of King's X (way back in the Faith Hope Love days of 1991), I was immediately struck by the band's prog-rock influences (which I was a big fan of) and the vocals that sounded so Beatle-esque (who I love even more). Especially guitarist Ty Tabor, who hasn't the gruff classic rock soul of bassist Doug Pinnick, but whose style is warm and melodic in the classic sense; I love it. So it was no surprise that I fell totally in love with this band, and they, along with U2, became the only modern rock bands I cared for at all -- no one could match those two bands (and still don't).
Then I began to learn more about King's X, and found that almost all of my fave King's X songs were written by Tabor, if not sung by him. Slowly, I realized this guy was cool! Then I learned he was from the South (like me), and well, that did it. Ty was the guru.
But all kidding aside, when I found out that Ty was putting out a solo record, I was ecstatic. When I finally got my grubby hands on a copy of Moonflower Lane, I was enthralled to find that this was no mere vanity project for a guitarist itching to wank or waffle on endless solos. This was an album of actually good songs. And that is the thing that makes what Tabor does in King's X so good; he serves the song first and foremost, doing whatever it takes to make it work.
Not that this album doesnt have its share of great extended solos, but always within the context of the songs. Of course, the vocals are great, and the hooks are catchy. Most of these songs sound like refugees from King's X sessions, but don't think that means they are throwaways. They stand up well to most everything King's X has done. The high points of this disc are I Do, The Island Sea (the hit that should have been), The Truth, and Another Day. But if you are a fan of King's X, and especially Tabor, you will like everything here.
So all in all, its almost too much of a good thing. Melodic rock and roll. Great all around disc. It is still one of my faves. Buy this thing now.

Man, I was expecting to hear some righteous wailing. At least I got the righteous part correct, anyways. Of course, you could say I was asking for it, with a shorn and baby-faced Ty staring mysteriously from various illustrative snaking fuchia floral arrangements, but I support these guys unquestionably. Although these songs are solid, pleasant and flow well from one to another, these tracks are mostly toothless and lacking in the blazing solo department. This is mostly Ty flexing his Paul McCartney songwriting leanings. Its *just* worth the price of admission for the gorgeous "Island Sea", with its string-quartet lead-ins, and "Hollow Eyes" plays more like old-school K-X. And joy of joys, the sitar finally returns on "I Know Everything". Still, a lot of this material would be perfectly happy in some syndicated teen angst show, like Felicity or 90210 or something.

Note : Ty also released a solo album independently, _Naomi's_Solar_Pumpkin_, which he sells over the KX website. There are ~four tracks there that are replaced or missing on _Moonflower Lane_. Its a little rawer and has more vital shred juice.

'Moonflower Lane' is quite a treat for all King's X fans as we get a chance to check out guitarist Ty Tabor's solo work.I'm an average King's X fan as I found this CD to be a good piece of work.Ty had apparently spent some serious time and effort assembling this disc.Tunes I thought made an impression were "Island Sea","Without You","Another Day" and "Hollow Eyes".Good heavy rock release.Do check it out when you can.

The first coupla listenings of Ty Tabor's Moonflower Lane got my attention but didn't secure my devotion. When I first get an album I tend to jump around looking for the immediately accessible tunes but it wasn't until I let it play like an album that it won me over.

I like King's X but I tend to wish there was more of Ty's lead vocal and songs (no slam intended to Doug Pinnick's excellent Hendrix-esque Lead vox) and so Moonflower Lane delivers that much desired fix! Galactic Cowboys drummer Alan Doss does a "bang up" job and is a nice change from the amazing drumming of King's Jerry Gaskill.

Moonflower Lane is quintessential rock guitar, songs and singin'!

Highlights include: "Island Sea", "Live In Your House" and "Truth".

Wow- Great songs, memorable hooks, sweet harmonies, melodic solos, thoughtful lyrics, and killer grooves- what more can you ask for? Being a big fan of King's X, I thought I would miss Doug Pinnick's (King's X' Bassist and Lead vocalist) presence on this album, Ty's solo effort, but I was wrong. It has made me a real fan of Ty's voice and a real fan of the balance he brings to King's X. There isn't a song on this album I don't absolutely love. It has also become my wife's and daughter's favorite album. A real family affair! Highly recommend to EVERYONE!

This album clearly is the music of one man. It highlights the contribution Ty Tabor makes within King's X. What is "missing" should be missing because Doug and Jerry are not present. That which remains is purely, and unequivocally, Ty Tabor.

Solid, basic, reasonable and optimistic, it is clear that Ty is beyond proving anything to anyone and pours this music from within with a clear conscience. No attempts to duplicate the sound or intensity of King's X are made.

As a debut album (one self-produced album exists before this containing many of the same tunes), this work sets the stage for hopefully more to come. Ty's guitar maintains a solid and almost quiet demeanor, relying on simplicity rather than speed or flash to communicate. Ty's vocals and backups fill to overflowing the need for tight and prolific harmony.

His genius isn't complexity, but simplicity and courage. Nothing new to his fans, and in fact, what we've come to expect (ie. demand).

The message being uniquely his, Ty Tabor speaks.

After holding off for almost 2 years, I finally purchased Ty Tabor's solo album earlier this month. Although I would have enjoyed "Moonflower Lane" when I first saw it, I must admit that it was worth the wait.

While Ty is the guitarist for Kings X, this is not a Kings X carbon-copy-type CD. Ty ventures into a more pop-oriented style that blends enough edgy guitars to keep even hard rockers interested. The CD spins well from start to finish. My personal favorites include: "I Do," "Live in Your House," "The Truth", "Hollow Eyes," and "Another Day."

Even if you are just mildly interested in "Moonflower Lane," I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how good this CD is. It is a quality effort from start to finish.

Most excellent. I'm a guitar player and love it! The melodies, the wah pedal. With the goodlife lyrics, you'll find yourself listening to it over and over. I can only hope for more like this one in the future.

I really like this CD. "Her Palace" and "Hollow Eyes" are my favorites but all are good. This showcases TY's "Beatle-esque" sound and is well produced.
Only bummer is that several of the songs are on Ty's "Naomi's Solar Pumpkin" CD, which I already had.