Tribute to Puddle of Mudd

Personnel: Sleazy Suzy (vocals).
Audio Mixer: Steve Peterson.
Recording information: Majik Tracks, Tampa, FL.
As predictable as Puddle of Mudd's major label debut was, it still had the backing of big-time production and mixing, which added girth to an otherwise tepid set of alterna-metal. Big Eye's cheapie cash-in tribute has none of that studio cachet, and as a result its cover versions of 12 Puddle of Mudd tracks quickly become mired in cover band cliché. Even the most ardent supporter of Puddle of Mudd has to admit the group's sonic similarity to such notables as Nirvana and Aerosmith. Given that, the third-generation grooves of Tribute won't make much of a dent, even for the dedicated. ("Abrasive" is a holdover from Puddle of Mudd's initial independent release; the remainder of Tribute rehashes the track listing of Come Clean). ~ Johnny Loftus