So upon my recent travels I was wandering around the terrain of San Francisco,
avoid rainshowers by drinking coffee, eating burritos and buying second hand books
(read this: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4964367-some-things-that-meant-the-world-to-me)
when I stumbled upon my new favourite record store in the world. Exaggeration, perhaps.
Do I still love Polyester? Yes. Yet I digress... I was here:
http://www.aquariusrecords.org/
It is amazing. The staff were super cute, nice and happy to chat to a lone red-headed
aussie wolf. I asked about local acts that I should listen to, and my new best-record-friend
suggested San Fran's new darling, Ty Segall. He put him on the stereo and I
walked out with a new CD.
Ty Segall is a Bay area local, who has been playing around the town for a few years,
but has been a solo artist since 2008. His recent effort, Melted, has shot him
to a new place in the hearts of 'friscians and lovers of catchy rock and roll
worldwide, garnering attention from the likes of Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and Sub pop
(who have got the rights to his next record). Watch now, he is going places.
Melted in its entirety is a very complete, very cohesive record that in essence is
lofi catchy surf punk. Somewhat like what The Hives would sound like if they
recorded in a bathroom, in Northern California. The openner, Finger, lulls you into
a false sense of summery sweetness, before hitting you with a wall of guitars
about a minute in. Girlfriend is the standout third track.. you cannot help but
tap your feet and dance like a washing machine (this is how I dance, not recommended
unless you are at least 43% robot). Tracks like Sad Fuzz and Alone lend themselves
to a Beatles on acid feel, while My Sunshine is the 60s laced with 90s melody
driven grunge rock.
In all, just forget my buzz word descriptions of songs and get this album. A very
solid effort from a band that is going places. Hopefully to Melbourne one
summery day, and I will dance like some sort of happy appliance.
