Ty Tabor of King’s X and The Jelly Jam is gearing up for a big double disc solo release, ‘Alien Beans’. Since 2006 Tabor has released four solo albums, an EP and an ‘almost’ live album. And 2018 is looking to have a big start for the seriously underrated guitar player/song writer.
The full album, ‘Alien Beans’, drops on Jan 12, 2018 and it’s a big one. Named after the studio located in beautiful Kansas City, it’s double disc, 21 song album. The first disc contains ten new tracks while the second is filled with remasters of some of Tabors best riff tracks. If I had to guess I would say that this album is going to be very riff centered. Much like King’s X classics ‘Dogman’ and ‘Gretchen Goes to Nebraska’. Which would be excellent because we have yet to hear a full on aggressive Tabor for an entire album. Not that there aren’t bad ass riffs sprinkled all over his solo work. But I always felt that Tabor at times tried a little to hard to find something new and different. As opposed to just getting down to the nitty gritty and writing some sick riff material. Again, there’s plenty of great riffs there and they’ll be on display on the second disc of the new album.
The first single, ‘Freight Train’ is a classic big, Ty Tabor riff. Phat, catchy, deep and original with that southern rock swing. Ty Tabor has always had an uncanny ability to find new riffs and never repeat or even show similarities with other guitar melodies. And initially you would think that any guitar players writing material would be limited. But Tabor seems to be an unlimited amount of catchy, amazing riffs that are always original. And just when you think ‘all right, he’s gotta be tapped out by now’, he comes up with the best metal riff you’ve ever heard. And the two new singles that have been released remind me of that energy.
And don’t be fooled by the seemingly trite title of the second single ‘Johnny Guitar’. It’s another phenomenal riff and story of the song is great. It’s a real situation for many struggling musicians that Tabor has painted in the lyrics. It’s not some fantasy ‘Jukebox Hero’ type thing. It’s just about some poor guitar player who tries his best and practices only to find struggle. But he’s never deterred and always keeps at it. That’s a great universal trope. And again, the music to go along with it is top notch.
I gotta say I’m really looking forward to this release. Anytime I hear that Ty Tabor has new material out I’m always curious to see what riffs he’s written and where they’re going to go. This time around, so far, he’s hasn’t disappointed in the least. Look for ‘Alien Beans’ to be released on Jan 12th of next year. Also, be on the lookout for King’s X tour dates and a possible new album from them in the coming year.
