BECK - MUTATIONS
Leave it to Beck to be different. Just as 808's, drum machines and crazy cross-pollenating of genres has become hip and, in some cases unbearable (see: Kid Rock, Sugar Ray) what does Beck do? Capitalize on the success of a formula he helped write? No. Ever contrary, he gets his touring band together and sits down with them to record a folk album. Live drums. Accoustic guitars. Synthesizers kept to a minimum. Folksy harmonica playing highlights the retro-without-trying style of "Cold Brains." The subtle dronings of a sitar roll in and out of the diamond in the rough "Nobody's Fault But My Own". Country and Western influences shine through in "Cancelled Check". But don't be fooled. Beck without white boy hip-hop beats is still Beck. Brilliantly absurd lyrics like "when the moon is a counterfeit, better find the one that fits" abound. In fact, the moon in particular seems to be a favorite lyrical device as it is brought up again in "Dead Melodies" as well as "Sing It Again". The most familiar sounding track is "Tropicalia", with Beck's Dylanesque lyrical delivery mixed with what sounds like balloons rubbing together somewhere in the Carribian. If you liked "Loser" but hated "Pay No Mind" be warned: this album may not be for you. If, however you are a fan of Beck's earlier work, Arlo Guthrie or Belle and Sebastian, you will certainly find a lot to like about this album. New subtleties are discovered with each listen, and those songs which at first seemed barren are gradually discovered to be teeming with life. Anyone who can play the harmonica with the same skill as he can program a drum machine deserves to be taken notice of, in my opinion.
Review by Aram at: Frames Per Second
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