A stereotypical day in Ty Segall’s life, must go something like this: wake up, have breakfast, record some new stuff with whoever you want, release it – such is his prodigious musical output, there seems to be a constant wave of Ty Segall records being unleashed into the world. That’s no bad thing either, although there’s always the possibility that the more you pit out, the more the quality control meter dips into the red, however with Ty Segall, so far thankfully, such concerns are cast aside. So, for album number four of this year so far, we have ‘Fudge Sandwich’, an album full of covers, but done in a way, you’ve never thought possible! First up is the sleazy opener of War’s 1975 hit ‘Low Rider’ but this time around with Segall’s hushed vocals, the faintest cowbell in the background and spacey effects which sound like you’re being sucked through a vortex. Then there’s the full on rock n’ roll blast of The Spencer Davis Group’s ‘I’m A Man’ but with added distortion, and guitars that reach so many shrill, high solos the dogs down the road have just joined in! The full on soulful guitar blues of John Lennon’s ‘Isolation’, from 1970s ‘John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band’ album is delicately done, whereas Neil Young’s 1969 classic ‘The Loner’ is given the full adrenalin treatment, as Segall races through it at lightning speed, whilst still managing to maintain the melody and feel of the original. A revelation for me, was the acoustic guitar led political anthem of U.S. punk band The Dils’ Class War’ which is utter genius – I wasn’t that familiar with The Dils before but this bunch if Californian punks from the 1970’s are well worth getting into. Keeping up with the punk streak is Segall’s next choice of cover, the anarchist bunch that are Rudimentary Peni with their 1983 fireball ‘Rotten To The Core’. The secret to a great cover is making it your own, adding an extra dimension to it, and on ‘Fudge Sandwich’ that’s what Segall does throughout, making it another worthy addition to his ever expanding catalogue of work.
Fudge Sandwich: Out Now: In The Red Records
From the early days of creating handmade zines, in a DIY paper and glue style, interviewing bands around town, then pestering Piccadilly Records to sell them, to writing for various independent mags such as Chimp and Ablaze, writing about the music I love is still a great passion. After testing the music industry waters in London with stints at various labels, being back in my hometown again, writing about this city’s vibrant music scene is as exciting as ever. All time favourite bands include Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Patti Smith although anything from electro to folk via blues and pysch rock will also do nicely too. A great album, is simply a great album, regardless of whatever musical cage you put it in.
