Beck
Mellow Gold
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Beck's debut release introduced the world to his lo-fi, psychedelic folk, and Funk jams. On the strength of the single "Loser" this decidedly non-commercial recording became quite successful. An across-the-board collection of freakout narratives and good songs, this home-recorded album lacks the sheen of "Odelay," and is all the better for it.
Like all genius moves, only in retrospect does it seem obvious, inevitable: the marriage of guerrilla-tech hip-hop sampling and no-tech folk, the fusing of slacker and rapper attitude, the alliance of two disaffected nations. But it was L.A. boy wonder Beck, denizen of the city of riots, who pulled it off effortlessly and with deadpan, what-the-fuck
Read More humor. A true up-from-underground anthem, a sly '90s twist on Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues," "Loser" was an awesome, omnipresent single, its trickle-of-consciousness lyrics, ragged acoustic six-string and noise percussion lingering on the radio waves like air freshener. Even more remarkable was the fact that the rest of Mellow Gold kicked just as cleanly. "Beercan," "Steal My Body Home," "Blackhole," "Truckdrivin Neighbors Downstairs (Yellow Sweat)" – the entire joint smoked with mordant wit and engaging self-assurance. Coming more or less out of nowhere, Beck fashioned one of those rare novelty records that remain surprising. The linguistic daring and musical ingenuity of this fetching poster boy for loser chic ensure that Beck will be a winner in the long run. (RS 698/699) PAUL CORIO |
![Beck (cd 1994) - Mellow Gold [pa]](http://booksmusicvideos4u.com/images/EBCD/EBCD00541.jpg)