Ty Segall: Manipulator

Manipulator  is a massive slice of rock n’ roll sound served up on an accessible platter.

Over the years Ty Segall has become a legend with releases spanning many genres including lo fi acoustic, psych-punk, and garage rock. Manipulator is, in a sense, a combination of all of these. It is a 17 track long double album that rocks from beginning to end. The album never loses energy and each track is extremely well crafted and more importantly immensely enjoyable.

The opening track “Manipulator” starts off the album with a funky organ, Bolan style vocals, and a fantastic guitar riff with some reverb. “Tall Man Skinny Lady” kicks off with jammin’ percussion and moves into a groovy infectious melody. “The Singer” starts out slow but builds into a huge track featuring Sgt. Pepper style melodies, guitar riffs, and orchestration. It basically sounds like a missing track from 1967 with a hint of grunge. “Feel” is an incredible track with amazing guitar licks, a groovin’ bass line, a ridiculously cool drum solo, and soaring vocals. This one must be played at ear bleeding levels. “The Faker” is yet another marvelous track with an infectious melody and true 60s psych roots. “Susie Thumb” features Kinks style hooks yet a slightly punk groove. It is followed by “Don’t You Want to Know? (Sue)” which keeps in the same vein but acoustic driven with a touch of Bowie (maybe it’s just the makeup). The final track “Stick Around” closes the album with exquisite violins and evocative guitar solos. The lyrics evoke the same message as “Sgt. Peppers… (Reprise)”.

Manipulator is a fantastic album that pulses with energy. It is a massive slice of rock n’ roll sound served up on an accessible platter. Play it, feel it and enjoy the legend that is Ty Segall.

Recommened if you like Thee Oh Sees, White Fence, and Mikal Cronin.

Recommended Tracks: “Tall Man Skinny Lad,” “Feel,” “The Faker,” and “Manipulator”

Reviewd by Emilie Stafford on August 30, 2014