AMG Review of Grand Opening

Greg Prato
All Music Guide

Although it may take the average fan a few listens to fully appreciate Geggy Tah's 1994 debut Grand Opening, it's undeniable that the duo (Greg Kurstin and Tommy Jordan) are writing very original rock. The only problem is that some of songs aren't as focused as others, which isn't uncommon on a group's debut recording. Sounding like a cross between Adrian Belew, Talking Heads, and modern day experimentalists They Might Be Giants, Geggy Tah also adds their original sound (and peculiar humor) into the mix as well. Standout cuts include the soothing organ groove of "Giddy Up" (which does indeed contain some rather giddy vocals at the end), the stiff and freaky funk of "P. Sluff," and the slow-as-molasses rock & roll number "Who's In a Hurry?" (picture the Red Hot Chili Peppers on sedatives). Renowned Beastie Boys producer Mario Caldato Jr. also added a slight hip-hop edge at times. Geggy Tah may be onto a completely original musical form, but they still need refine it a bit more before it becomes fully realized.