Beck: Guero

Beck: Guero (DGC, 2005)
Produced by: The Dust Brothers, Beck Hansen
Genre: Alt Rock

Good God, this man's had quite a career. At the tender age of 35, Beck Hansen has enjoyed the balance of underground indie credibility and mainstream success that most artists dream of. He certainly has done things on his own terms, especially with the commercial flops Midnight Vultures (1999) and Mutations (1998), although both were somewhat critically acclaimed.

Beck continues his streak of mindbending, genre-confusing alternative rock with Guero, first billed as Beck's version of a "big guitar album," then later defined by critics as a "return to the Odelay days." The good thing is, Beck succeeds at neither of these, turning out an album of songs that could only belong to him.

The only parallel to the Odelay sessions is the outstanding production by the underrated Dust Brothers, who have been replaced as the "it" production team by the Neptunes in recent years. The big difference between Guero and Odelay here though, is that Beck has really come into his own, with artistic direction and songwriting, honing his skills as a folkie on the aforementioned Mutations and Sea Change. It's time for him to let his hair down.

And he does. The opening track of "E-Pro" sets the tone for the album. It's a different type of trip, especially from the norms of rock today. Blended effortlessly into the following tracks, this first song resonates even as you move through the album. The lyrically psychotic but musically uplifting "Girl" highlights Beck's ability to both confuse and delight at the same time. The funk-inspired "Earthquake Weather" is a perfect middle-of-the-album groove. The "Billie Jean"-inspired "Scarecrow" gains infectious momentum from the first bass note. And the late highlight comes with "Go It Alone," a Jack White assisted, beat-driven gem that will have even the most stoic of indie rockers bobbing their heads.

This is absolutely my favorite album of 2005, but it took me a few listens to fully appreciate the intricacies of the songwriting and execution. I definitely look forward to seeing what Beck has on deck.

Interesting fact: Beck married Marissa Ribisi in 2004, the twin sister of actor Giovanni Ribisi.