Odelay by Beck (CD, Jun-1996, Geffen Records USA)

Beck Hansen is a master of assembly, a kind of lo-fi dada state that relies on the uncomfortable and vaguely familiar association of layers, beat and words that dare you to guess the cliche and laugh. He can deftly assassinate the blues as easily and rework an odd chestnut from the Korgis (Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime) and equally well. This isn't the album with Loser but it doesn't care as it marches around semi-drunk and out to have fun. You may well remember Where It's At for the chorus (I got two turntables and a microphone) and I think that The New Pollution with it's Ray Conniff trademark beginning (DO DO heaven) and the burning acid of Devil's Haircut will come back to you.

I enjoyed the rest well enough but Beck is better off for his singles in my opinion. The CDs will be inexpensive though and worth the purchase price.

Beck hasn't had many songs noted on radio since this 1996 release but is that due to his skills or radio in general moving to the suburbs? He appesred on talk shows a few years ago promoting the single Sexx Laws and I think released another new CD a while back. I suggest you find a website with his music or a friend with his stuff to experience it first.

I bought this to replace a damaged copy.