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