Beck: Chem Trails
There’s not much to write about Beck that hasn’t already been written. The art pop critical darling has effectively meshed indie, punk, folk, electro and hip hop, collected awards and glowing reviews without breaking a sweat. Beck’s effortlessly cool nonchalant image coupled with poignant songwriting has made him the voice of his generation as well as the overused yet fair title of “the new Bob Dylan”. His most famous albums “Odelay” and “Sea Change” are completely opposite musically but both share the brilliance of an immensely gifted songwriter. However, as his recording career hits close to the 14 year mark and his average fan that have followed his career slowly start growing up it can be argued that Beck faces a battle converting new fans with his eight album “Modern Guilt”. Although, Beck needs little help in the musical department he has gotten some from the seemingly ever present producer Danger Mouse. The first leaked track from “Modern Guilt” is a song entitled “Chem Trails”. If the first single is any indication of what the rest of the album will sound like it appears that Beck is returning to his psychedelic vibe that was pervasive on his first album. “Chem Trails” harkens to 60s British rock with a Pink Floyd inspired flair and Beatles moaning vocals. Danger Mouse’s presence is immediately felt as his trademark haunting organs lay a foundation for the virtuoso drumming and muted bass. The start and stop formula is used to a powerful effect on the track and eventually culminates into a string heavy guitar thrashing finale that is more “Summer of Love” then summer of high gas prices. Listen to the song [HERE]
There’s not much to write about Beck that hasn’t already been written. The art pop critical darling has effectively meshed indie, punk, folk, electro and hip hop, collected awards and glowing reviews without breaking a sweat. Beck’s effortlessly cool nonchalant image coupled with poignant songwriting has made him the voice of his generation as well as the overused yet fair title of “the new Bob Dylan”. His most famous albums “Odelay” and “Sea Change” are completely opposite musically but both share the brilliance of an immensely gifted songwriter. However, as his recording career hits close to the 14 year mark and his average fan that have followed his career slowly start growing up it can be argued that Beck faces a battle converting new fans with his eight album “Modern Guilt”.
Although, Beck needs little help in the musical department he has gotten some from the seemingly ever present producer Danger Mouse. The first leaked track from “Modern Guilt” is a song entitled “Chem Trails”. If the first single is any indication of what the rest of the album will sound like it appears that Beck is returning to his psychedelic vibe that was pervasive on his first album. “Chem Trails” harkens to 60s British rock with a Pink Floyd inspired flair and Beatles moaning vocals. Danger Mouse’s presence is immediately felt as his trademark haunting organs lay a foundation for the virtuoso drumming and muted bass. The start and stop formula is used to a powerful effect on the track and eventually culminates into a string heavy guitar thrashing finale that is more “Summer of Love” then summer of high gas prices.
Listen to the song [HERE]
