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| Grammy® winner! The alt-rock songwriter returns to his roots on this set of folky rock tunes. Tropicalia, Cold Brains, Nobody's Fault But My Own, Lazy Flies, more. |
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| 1 Cold Brains |
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| 2 Nobody's Fault But My Own |
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| 3 Lazy Flies |
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| 4 Canceled Check |
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| 5 We Live Again |
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| 6 Tropicalia |
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| 7 Dead Melodies |
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| 8 Bottle of Blues |
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| 9 O Maria |
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| 10 Sing It Again |
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| 11 Static |
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Album Review
According to party line, neither Beck nor Geffen ever intended "Mutations" to be considered as the official follow-up to "Odelay", his Grammy-winning breakthrough. It was more like "One Foot in the Grave", designed to be an off-kilter, subdued collection of acoustic-based songs pitched halfway between psychedelic country-blues and lo-fi folk. The presence of producer Nigel Godrich, the man who helmed Radiohead's acclaimed "OK Computer", makes such claims dubious. Godrich is not a slick producer, but he's no Calvin Johnson, either, and "Mutations" has an appropriately clean, trippy feel. There's little question that with the blues, country, psych, bossa nova, and folk that comprise it, "Mutations" was never meant to be a commercial endeavor -- there's no floor-shaker like "Where It'S At," and it doesn't trade in the junk culture that brought "Odelay" to life. Recording with his touring band -- marking the first time he has entered the studio with a live band -- does result in a different sound, but it's not so much a departure as it is a side road that is going in the same direction. None of the songs explore new territory, but they're rich, lyrically and musically. There's an off-the-cuff wit to the songwriting, especially on "Canceled Check" and "Bottle Of Blues," and the performances are natural, relaxed, and laid-back, without ever sounding complacent. In fact, one of the nifty tricks of "Mutations" is how it sounds simple upon the first listen, then reveals more psychedelic layers upon each play. Beck is not only a startling songwriter -- his best songs are simultaneously modern and timeless -- he is a sharp record maker, crafting albums that sound distinct and original, no matter how much they may borrow. In its own quiet, organic way, "Mutations" confirms this as much as either "Mellow Gold" or "Odelay". ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
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• Biography
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Other albums by: Beck |
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