Freedom's Goblin cover

Freedom's Goblin

Ty Segall · 2018

75 min · 19 tracks · rock music

A kaleidoscopic blend of garage rock, psychedelic pop, and experimental sounds bursting with raw energy and playful experimentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fanny Dog Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its infectious melody and playful lyrics that blend humor with introspection, showcasing Segall's unique approach to songwriting.
  • →
    Every 1’s a Winner — This cover of the Hot Chocolate classic transforms into a lo-fi anthem infused with Segall's signature fuzz, emphasizing his knack for reinterpreting familiar tunes while retaining their essence.
  • →
    She — At over six minutes long, this standout track combines hypnotic instrumentation with layered vocals, representing the album’s adventurous spirit and Segall's ability to build tension through sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases diverse compositions and strong production but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

  • The album features a wide range of tempos, with tracks like 'Fanny Dog' starting off with a mid-tempo groove and transitioning to faster-paced songs like 'Shoot You Up'.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Despoiler of Cadaver', which shifts between multiple sections without a clear verse-chorus pattern.
  • The use of varied instrumentation is prominent, with tracks like 'My Lady’s on Fire' featuring layered guitars and synths, while others like 'Cry Cry Cry' rely heavily on percussion.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with surprises
  • dynamic journey with resolution
  • vibrant energy for active listening
  • sprawling exploration of sound
  • late-night eclectic vibe

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer shorter, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Showcases a diverse sound palette, marking a departure from earlier styles.
Career context
By the time 'Freedom's Goblin' was released in January 2018, Ty Segall had established himself as a prolific figure in the rock scene, having already released multiple solo albums and collaborative projects. This album followed his critically acclaimed effort 'Ty Segall' (2017) and showcased a new level of ambition and diversity, reflecting his evolution as an artist unafraid to explore various genres.

Tracklist

  • 1 Fanny Dog Start here 3:39
  • 2 Rain 4:05
  • 3 Every 1’s a Winner 4:19
  • 4 Despoiler of Cadaver 3:53
  • 5 When Mommy Kills You 2:47
  • 6 My Lady’s on Fire 3:52
  • 7 Alta 4:07
  • 8 Meaning 3:07
  • 9 Cry Cry Cry 3:13
  • 10 Shoot You Up 3:20
  • 11 You Say All the Nice Things 4:23
  • 12 The Last Waltz 2:24
  • 13 She 6:23
  • 14 Prison 1:06
  • 15 Talkin 3 2:02
  • 16 The Main Pretender 3:00
  • 17 I’m Free 2:43
  • 18 5 ft. Tall 4:34
  • 19 And, Goodnight 12:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata