With a swagger and a smirk, Beck has been making music that capitalizes on the joys of synthesizers mixed with guitar rock. His style is undeniably creative, original, and downright cool.
Beck David Hanson first stumbled awkwardly onto the music scene during the era of self effacing grunge rock. Because of his strange sound, Beck’s music was immediately lumped into the large and completely useless ‘alternative’ category. As a child of a divorced Presbyterian minister and an Andy Warhol ingénue, Beck has led a very abnormal life.
Jumping from job to job and dropping out of school following junior high, Beck finally found a home for his musical stylings in Los Angeles. With the near simultaneous release of the indie masterpiece Stereopathic Soul Manure and major label debut Mellow Gold in 1994, Beck was well on his way to stardom. His first hit was the angsty alterna-rap track ”Loser”.
Beck’s followup album was the equally innovative Odelay. This second album managed to scare up quite a following and earned him a Grammy in Best Alternative Performance. Odelay also topped various critical lists as the album of the year. Beck’s third album was supposed to be released by indie label Bong Load. Instead, DGC released Mutations in 1998 as the followup to his very successful second album.
In 1999, fans were given the soul funk groove of Midnite Vultures. With eleven tracks ranging from soft to raging, this album was on par with the best Beck work to date. It wasn’t as widely commercially popular as Odelay, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem. This album, like all the rest of his discography, meshes music styles ranging from rap, rock, and funk to jazz, punk, and R&B. There’s truly something for everybody on this 30-year-old’s album.
”Sexx Laws” is one of the favorite tracks from this album. It’s energetic and strange, yet absolutely brilliant at the same time. It’s got horns and pianos alongside funky rock music with hints of disco music. It’s a fun track, very well worth a listen. The sound is nearly indescribable thanks to the various musical influences. Although, it’s important to note that this is great music at the core. Beck, even after only a decade in the business, is a master music maker.
Great funky beats mark the driving force of ”Nicotine and Gravy”. Strange subject matter as evidenced by this song is common with Beck’s music. This song is fun and free flowing. The man’s lyrics flow from his skinny lips with grace and ease. This may not be the best song on this album, but it still shows great promise and great talent. It’s also apparent that Beck doesn’t take himself too seriously. This album and for that matter this song can both be considered high comedy. Who could possibly complain when a nerdy white guy lets out a wail reminiscent of Prince?
The drums in ”Mixed Bizness” actually is reminiscent of early 1990’s rap or even earlier funk track. In fact, the funk influence is apparent throughout this great track. It’s energetic and fun and showcases Beck’s innate knack of arranging music into one great musical picture. If you attempt to pick apart the song note-by-note, it seems to be a nearly impossible task. Beck has a mind and ear for music unlike any other artist I’ve ever heard. He blends strange musical elements together and then adds his voice…thus creating an even stranger and more interesting final product.
”Get Real Paid” makes the listener feel as though they are caught in an early 1980’s arcade game. It’s got really strange sci-fi sounds rather than typical rock or funk or folk instruments. I can imagine Beck sitting in front of his keyboard assembling sounds and tones into this final product. I will say that I prefer other songs to this one, but Beck’s talent remains very apparent even with the strangest of tracks (and I promise you this one is very, very strange).
Get this. ”Hollywood Freaks” is a rap track. There’s no getting around it. The beats are rap with an occasional early techno sounding sample thrown in. It’s a groovy and driving track that sits among the best of this album. Beck flows like the masters…if you can believe that…
Beck turns on his rock guitars for ”Peaches & Cream”. Of course, his kind of rock also mixes in funk noise and elements. He sings in typical high-pitched Beck fashion that is again very much like Prince. The song is mid-tempo yet somehow manages to keep the attention of listeners intact. This is a great song from young Beck.
No, it’s not ”Lowrider”. What Beck has done is channel funk rock masters to create ”Broken Train”. It’s not as interesting a song as some of the others here. In fact, only the chorus saves this song from mediocrity. With a slide guitar and sci-fi sounds, this track is another strange one.
I love the funk-rock of ”Milk & Honey”. It’s creative and interesting, but not too outlandish. Beck’s style may seem strange to some people, but to the majority of listeners something on this album should hit home. Rather than focusing on his folk-rock early influences, Beck looks to a different group of individuals for inspiration. He comes off sounding strange and uncomfortable, yet very talented and full of humor.
With a horns, a gorgeous piano, and light percussion ”Beautiful Way” is a superb track. It’s one of my top three favorites on this album. It’s slow and sensual with great mood and attitude. Relaxing and refreshing, this track sounds like something created by a musical master. I guess that makes Beck a master.
”Pressure Zone” has a rap sound to it. What makes it classic Beck is the soft presence of his vocal talents. This is a great track, interesting and exciting to say the least. There are many layers to the individual track ranging from funky rock to sci-fi squealing.
The last track on this album is also my personal favorite. It’s not as strange or as loud as other tracks on this album. Debra is sort of 1970’s R&B with great amounts of emotion. Beck sings in a great high-pitched. The song is funny…actually it’s hilarious. It speaks about how the narrator meets a woman in Sears with a fresh pack of gum. ‘Wow’ is the best way to describe this song. It never found much mainstream airplay thanks to the strange subject matter and the multi-influenced sound. Although, it did find a willing audience in college radio.
As you can see, this is a great album. I’d say that there are better albums from Beck. He’s funny and talented, but some of the songs on this album sound like one another. Although, if you like ‘alternative’ music, this album is a must have. It’s impossible to not enjoy and love Beck. He has revolutionized the music industry with his junior high education and sense of humor.
I give this album a strong 4/5 stars. As I’ve said repeatedly, Beck makes strange music. Don’t expect a lot of rock guitars or a lot of attitude. Rather, expect great music with many influences. I recommend this album to anybody willing to risk it.
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