A golden rule in music is to take a break between records. In most cases, artists go to hibernation until boredom turns into inspiration, and subsequently – creation. But not this guy. Ty Segall just can’t slow down. It’s seems like not one day goes by without the update on music portals regarding the new single or new album by this Californian musician, whether about solo projects or collaborations with other bands and colleagues. One of the most productive musicians today and his equally busy collaborator John Dwyer (also famous for his work in Thee Oh Sees) are known as people who just don’t know how to make a bad album. Ninth release by Segall in the past ten years is a perfect evidence for the previous statement.
Ty Segall is the second self-titled album in his career and it’s recorded under the production monitoring of Steve Albany, one of the most important names in independent music industry. He is one of those people who play the role of discreet hero. Albany likes to work with young, talented and creative artists, especially when he can make them sound like a full-blooded band. Now he succeeded to bring out the best in Segall and his friends.
The record begins with a la Nirvana powerful guitar riffs on Break A Guitar. It continues with Freedom and psychedelic Warm Hands (Freedom Returned). These two songs together last for 12.5 minutes and showcase why this is a complete band. Thank You Mr.K reminded me of Ramones with its velocity and angst, while The Only One delivers the best guitar solo at the end. In the plethora of these rapid kick-ass tracks, slower folk-rock mannered songs find their place as well. Talkin and Orange Color Queen are both dedicated to his ex girlfriend. Ty said he has written many songs for her, but this comes to be his favorite so far.
Ty Segall took me on a journey full of sidetracks and twists in short period of time. In a matter of thirty minutes, he guided me through psychedelic rock to romantic ballades, which is why this might be his most diverse work yet. If you ask me, this is the album of the month.
