Beck – Modern Guilt

I’ve been a Beck fan ever since I first head “Loser” on the radio back in 1994.  I saw him in concert that year (at local radio station KROQ’s annual Weenie Roast) and I’ve seen him twice since (the most memorable was one year on Cinco De Mayo where he performed with a mariachi band at the Greek Theater.) 

 

I like to consider myself a Beck “completist”, trying to own everything he’s released, which wasn’t always easy. His original contract with Geffen allowed him to release CD’s not only on their label, but anywhere he wanted, and every CD-single he put out always had lots of extra b-sides.

 

There are many musical sides to Beck Hansen, and I love them all.   

If you’ve only heard the radio singles (”Loser”, “Where It’s At”, etc) then you’re familiar with at least one of his sides, but almost every CD he’s released has fallen under a different genre of its own, from rock, to funk, to hip hop, country or blues. 

 

Which then brings us to Beck’s latest creation, Modern Guilt, his 8th studio album, co-produced by Danger Mouse, with contributions by Jason Falkner (on bass) and Cat Power’s Chan Marshall (backing vocals on 2 songs).  In my opinion, it’s Beck’s best CD in years.  Standout tracks include the mellow Pink Floyd-esque “Chemtrails”,  the title track “Modern Guilt” (part power pop, blues, and soul) and the first video from the CD, “Gamma Ray”:

 

 

My favorite Beck CD is probably still 1998’s Mutations, but you’re a fan of that (or 2002’s Sea Change) then you’ll definitely find something to love here.  Since I already said that every Beck CD has a genre of its own, what genre would this fall under you may ask?  Well, it’s got a 60’s vibe, and I love listening to it in the car, cruising down the freeway, so I’d call it a ”60’s cruisin’ classic”. 

 

Beck has always done things his way, and had a unique style that’s not easily duplicated.  Modern Guilt will be the last CD to be released under Beck’s current major label contract.  After that, he’s not attached to anyone.  After dabbling with digital-only single “Timebomb” in 2007, it should be an interesting future for his creations, no matter how he decides to release them.