Beck-watch: It's arrived!
"Modern Guilt" drops Tuesday, songs leaked last week and I got my copy today!
Predictably, I love it ... I mean, it's awesome. I do pretty much love love love everything Beck has ever done (although "The Information" was underwhelming and forgettable), so, you know, bear that in mind when you read my endorsement review.
The first three tracks -- "Orphans," "Gamma Ray" and "Chemtrails" -- have been floating around the internet for a few weeks, so they already feel somewhat familiar. You can hear Danger Mouse's production all over this baby, but not in a way that's distracting. It's just part of the evolution of Beck's ever-hip sound.
"Guilt" is driving and slick and sad. Whereas "Guero" was an all-out party (and "Guerolito" was just unnecessary), this new album is very aware of actions and consequences. The lyrics are more straightforward than usual, and there are actual sentences that convey actual, if not straight-up meaning, at least a feeling. But there's still plenty of Dadaist word salad to be had: "And we could live inside a hollow tree/Grow up old and bury the sea" -- from "Replica," a frantic little number which features Beck keening over a jacked up BPM.
At just less than 40 minutes, the album feels even shorter than it is. The songs clip by at a frenzied pace with a surprising dark intensity. The bleeps and bloops of previous efforts are there, but "Guilt" is very much rock and roll.
Also, Cat Power is employed beautifully on "Orphans" and other songs.
eh.www.amNY.com
