Sleeper will be a surprise to music fans that only associate the prolific Ty Segall with shredding guitars. On this album, the guitars are acoustic (except for a brief break out at the end of "The Man Man"), and what is shredded are the curtains that we tend to hang to mask our vulnerability. And as invariably is the case, unplugging puts the spotlight on the songwriting and vocal subtleties. The essential question being can one of the hardest working men in the business craft an album of songs that, without his trademark fuzz and slash, stand out as unique and worthy contributions to his catalog and and our record collections? And the answer is "yes", without qualification and room to spare. Lyrically, musically and emotionally the songs on Sleeper reel us in. While the introspection doesn't result in a deeply confessional work, it is personal and affecting. The accompaniment is never distracting, and even hints at influences from other rockers who have unplugged -- a Jimmy Page touch here, a Lou Reed touch there.
With Segall one cannot predict his upcoming direction, only that there likely will be many further projects. But if past history is instructive, we may not often encounter the acoustic Segall. So I encourage you to experience this one while you can. It is worth it.
Sleeper is out now on Drag City.
Website
Drag City
Remaining tour dates:
Thu. Aug. 29 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ VietNam, David Novick
Fri. Aug. 30 -- New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom w/ Chris Cohen, David Novick
Sat. Aug. 31 -- Chicago, IL @ Logan Square Auditorium w/ Mike Donovan
Mon. Sep. 2 -- San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall w/ Mike Donovan
Wed. Sep. 4 -- Big Sur, CA @ Fernwood Tavern w/ Mike Donovan
Thu. Sep. 5 -- Oakland, CA @ New Parish w/ Mike Donovan
Sat. Sep. 7 -- Seattle, WA @ Neumo's w/ Mike Donovan
Sun. Sep. 8 -- Boise, ID @ Neurolux w/ Mike Donovan
Mon. Sep. 9 -- Reno, NV @ Holland Project w/ Mike Donovan
Sun. Dec. 1 -- Camber Sands, UK @ All Tomorrow's Parties Festival
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