CORPORATE LINE: Hailed as “a deeply natural songwriter” (THE NEW YORKER) who “defies expectations in his own way” (TIME) and “Gen X’s most famous absurdist” (BLENDER), BECK is the single most inventive and eclectic figure to emerge from the ‘90s alternative revolution. In an era obsessed with junk culture, Beck seamlessly blends pop, folk, hiphop, indie/underground and electronica with the end result being an authentically uncategorizeable musical style that nevertheless has sold millions of records and scored multiple Grammy awards.
Three years in the making, THE INFORMATION is the album Beck began work on in 2003 with producer Nigel Godrich (Radiohead’s OK Computer, Kid A; Beck’s Sea Change, Mutations) and finally completed this year once Guero’s massive success and encore touring engagements, as well as Nigel’s other commitments, were fulfilled.
THE INFORMATION is comprised of 15 songs and a DVD featuring homemade videos for each of the 15 songs shot in-studio during the actual sessions. The artwork for The Information is either non-existent or infinite, depending on one’s point of view. Each copy will come in a blank package with one of four collectible sticker sheets specially designed by European and American artists and representative of the unique Beck aesthetic. The stickers will give every Beck fan the opportunity to participate in the creative process by designing his or her own one of a kind CD cover.
THE GOOD:
“Strange Apparition” – Beck sounds like he is trying to make a southern rock song without the mullet and guitar solo. More of this kind of Beck would be welcome.
“The Information” – Oh it’s so sweet. There is a reason why Beck named the album after this song. It’s gorgeous with a fabulous hook and a beat that never escapes your conscience.
“No Complaints” – Beck takes a different tone and does more of the mellow guitar song that is more his flavor. It might not be revolutionary, but it sure sounds good.
THE AVERAGE:
“Elevator Music” – Lyrically this is a mess. Words mean nothing. The beat is cool and yet who really cares when you are listening to nonsense?
“Think I’m In Love” – Beck tries really hard to stay hip and relevant by swiftly hi-jacking the song at the 1:40 minute mark. It has a catchy hook but it’s all too schizophrenic.
THE BAD:
“Cellphone’s Dead” – If you love silly avant-garde nonsense then perhaps you’d move this up a few spots to good. We aren’t haters—we simply like good songs and this isn’t one.
“Nausea” – It sounds like a song that had no purpose except filling a space on the album.
FRANKLY: There was a time when Beck sounded ahead of the curve. The Information sounds more like regurgitated Beck and not a guy who is pushing the boundaries. The songs are too moog-ed out with mixes arranged by the usually brilliant Nigel Godrich. Even the beats could be forgiven if Beck didn’t sound like he was asleep at the wheel.
+ Rae Gun
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