https://gregsegal.bandcamp.com/album/mostly-happy-endings
Genre: Experimental
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
released January 22, 2023
Recently, it came into my Bandcamp feed that Segal has re-released several recordings of his band from the 80’s Paperbag. I bought their album Ticket to Trauma when it came out on SST and I’ve had a fondness for it for several decades now. I hate when these recordings get lost so I appreciate segal’s efforts to keep their music accessible through streaming.
Like Paperbag‘s Ticket to Trauma (the one I know) Mostly Happy Endings is an improvised post-rock record that exists in the outskirts of the free jazz orbit. I’ve always thought of Ticket to Trauma as free jazz but it’s a matter of perception. Mostly Happy Endings, which is one of several Segal releases, was chosen for review because it’s his most recent and I try to only review new releases. I’m looking forward to digging into the rest of his discography as well as the Paperbag anthology. Recently, I’ve been exploring the genre of dungeon synth of which there’s mountains of interesting releases by bedroom hobbyists. The consistent respectable quality of the releases by these artists is really remarkable. While it’s separation from the pack that make a release special I still have to nod respectfully to many of these middle of the pack releases. Mostly Happy Endings is NOT dungeon synth but the production and style push off a similar style. And like Segal’s work they’re often the work a single individual. But Segal is doing something that does elevate him to the next level up. It’s the avant garde improvisation skill that’s unique and powerful. He’s still pushing those limits successfully. I’m very glad he’s still at it and that his art has crossed my path once again.
Warmth Highest 