Mutations

by

Beck

Edit

Beck Hansen's most accessible disc to date all but defies comparison. It's a little Donovon, a little early Bowie and some Beatles' white album tossed in for good measure. But these similarities do not overpower - they wash in and out with the ebb and flow of one genre morphing into another. For Mutations, Beck has put aside the discordant hip-hop of Odelay! and goofy Gen-X snicker-snicker of Mellow Gold. Languid vocals and a hypnotic mood prevail over rich layers of acoustic arrangments, twang, psychedelia, synths, sitars and even bossa nova. Like a travelogue into his subconscious, Mutations tours Beck's psyche, his influences and varying moods. Songs like "Bottle Of Blues" and "Canceled Check" are catchy, hummable ditties, while "Cold Brains," "Nobody's Fault But My Own" and "We Live Again" mesmerize with their introspective meanderings. Seems that America's most adorable geek has grown up. Lest you think he takes himself too seriously, Beck's grotesque imagery and clever musings sting with irony. Somehow, though, he still maintains a sincerity that distinguishes himself from the hipster wannabes out there trying to smirk their way onto a Rolling Stone cover.

vastly different from Odelay, this album is. one might wonder exactly what sort of mindset mr. beck was in at the time of its conception. it's true that this isn't as broad or experimental or maybe creative or blahblahblah as odelay, but what this album may lack in variety, it makes up for in genuine, lovely lyrics and gentle acoustic sets. think of it as odelay tuned and stripped down. the more jostling tracks, 'lazy flies' and 'tropicalia', along with the near ten minute hidden song, even out the flow. each track compliments well with one another; all are similar in structure with the same lazy, mellowed pace--i personally think that's a positive aspect. from the breathtaking 'cold brains', 'nobody's fault but my own', to 'static', this record is the prettiest to date. gentle and well-rounded, similar to such tracks(on odelay) as 'jackass', 'readymade', and 'ramshackle.' i personally really dig this album, i think it's soothing and just sweet. for those of you seeking more energetic, more, well, "BECK"-y beck, odelay may be more appropriate, but, if what you're seeking is a softer, gentler, more intricate beck, get this right now.