Beck - Modern Guilt
The predictably unpredictable Beck Hansen (aka Beck) somehow, someway also churns out gold. And his latest LP Modern Guilt is no deviation from that standard of excellence. Though Beck is the master of altering his style from one album to the next, Modern Guilt has the same feel as The Information. The only palpable difference is that some of the songs have slowed down a bit–but don’t think that Beck has.
I’ve never quite understood, though, the cultish fascination with Beck. It’s probably because I’ve always been a rather superficial fan of his work. But I think I’ve finally figured out the allure. To be following, rooting for someone who’s so dedicated to his music and so open-minded to new directions, is a pretty awesome thing. And so as I queue up the Beijing influenced “Walls” with its wailing strings and addictive chorus, I gain a better understanding of what I am supposed to get out of Beck. The urgent, kowabungish “Gamma Ray” is just another example of how Beck can turn a rather simple riff into something intriguing. “Modern Guilt” brings back the basslines that were so ever-present on Guero (and to good effect!!) while “Youthless” is a snap-filled frock (funk-rock?) ditty.
The truth is that Beck fans are going to adore this album, and those that are apathetic probably won’t even pick it up. For the latter, the investment is small (no song is longer than 4:30) and who knows, Beck might mean something more to you than beer.
Grab a copy of Modern Guilt.
Listen to “Walls”
Listen to “Gamma Ray“
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