Uncovered Covers: Ty Segall Takes on The Velvet Underground and Nico


If there was an award for most productive artist of the year, hands down Ty Segall would take the prize. The west coast garage-rocker has put out three different records this year (the solo record Twins, Slaughterhouse with his band, and a split LP with White Fence) has done a shit load of touring, including a stellar show with Thee Oh Sees at Town Ballroom, and now he’s released a cover of “Femme Fatale” for a Bay Area covers album, The Velvet Undergroud and Nico by Castle Face and Friends

The original track from the self-titled studio album by The Velvet Underground and Nico, which is regarded as the 13th greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone, was released as a single back in 1966 and still lends itself as one of the most evocative and influential tracks in the rock music canon. Obviously it would be difficult, and a bit unnecessary, for Ty Segall to attempt to replicate the Andy Warhol lent nightingale’s lush vocals, so instead he takes the a maniacal route and we are left with loads of feverish guitar feedback, fuzzed-out vocals and a jet-fast drum beat resulting in a track almost a half minute shorter than the original at two minutes and 16 seconds. It’s a brisk, enjoyable rendition, and it’s hard to see Ty Segall doing it in any other way. 

Listen to the cover below:


Tom Dennis

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