Manipulator
Ty Segall · 2014
56 min · 17 tracks · rock music
A kaleidoscopic blend of garage rock, glam, and punk that teeters between chaos and melodic sophistication.
Top tracks — play these first
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Manipulator Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of control and identity with its infectious hooks and frenetic energy, setting the tone for the record.
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Tall Man Skinny Lady — This track showcases Segall’s ability to weave catchy melodies with darker undertones, reflecting the album's overall juxtaposition of light and shadow.
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It’s Over — With its anthemic chorus and introspective lyrics, this song marks a pivotal moment in the album where vulnerability meets bravado, highlighting Segall's lyrical depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Manipulator showcases ambitious songwriting and production, balancing chaos with melodic sophistication.
What we noticed
- The album features a diverse range of tempos, with tracks alternating between frenetic energy and slower, more reflective moments.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo groove throughout
- melodic hooks for sing-alongs
- playful irreverence in themes
- kaleidoscopic energy bursts
- for casual gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer long, soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases significant evolution in sound and received widespread acclaim.
- Career context
- In 2014, Ty Segall released Manipulator as his seventh studio album, following the critically acclaimed Sleeper. This period marked a significant evolution in Segall's sound, showcasing his growing ambition as he embraced more complex arrangements while retaining his raw energy. The album solidified his position as a key figure in the modern garage rock revival.
- Stylistic neighbors
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard· Fuzz· Mac DeMarco
Tracklist
- 1 Manipulator Start here 3:09
- 2 Tall Man Skinny Lady 4:02
- 3 The Singer 4:15
- 4 It’s Over 3:00
- 5 Feel 4:15
- 6 The Faker 4:07
- 7 The Clock 2:52
- 8 Green Belly 2:32
- 9 The Connection Man 2:17
- 10 Mister Main 2:47
- 11 The Hand 4:43
- 12 Susie Thumb 2:29
- 13 Don’t You Want to Know? (Sue) 2:34
- 14 The Crawler 2:24
- 15 Who’s Producing You? 2:53
- 16 The Feels 3:08
- 17 Stick Around 4:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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