What's the perfect soundtrack for chilling on a hot spring day in Athens? A new Beck CD, of course.
Beck Hansen's newest album, Guero
is a credible follow-up to his uncharacteristic Sea Change bringing Beck back from the stylistic deviations of that release. The album resonates with Beck's unique style, catchy beats and stand-out sound effects. But the listener is left wondering why it feels like an Odelay flashback.
Guero lacks a stand-out track, but the upbeat tempo makes the songs flow seamlessly together.
Beck again shines with his off-beat lyrics, which return to the poetic stream-of-consciousness last seen in Midnite Vultures. E Pro the album's first single, captures the listener with its na na na chorus and the excerpt from the Beastie Boys' So What'cha Want. Qué Onda Guero displays Latin flavorings; also notable is the charming Girl
in which Beck captures love at first sight as only he can, sounding distinctly 1960s West Coast without sounding like a Beach Boy.
The Dust Brothers teamed with Beck again to bring a signature mix of sound effects to the eclectic tunes. The sound effects on the album include crowded L.A. streets, a Japanese waitress, tambourine and samples from songs by artists such as the Ohio Players and Brethren. A question about the latest Yanni cassette at the end of one of the tracks is an example of the album's background noise. Some effects, such as the synthetic voice in Hell Yes
feel tired, as though the technology has not changed since 1996. Still, it is sure to delight hardcore Beck devotees.
While the album is pleasant, it lacks the innovation and surprise that listeners have come to expect from Beck.
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Casey Westlake
