Beck: Guero
Rating: 
A great many people must be thinking of Beck’s newest, “What’s he got up his sleeve this time?” And with good reason; high quality music spanning genres from folk-rock and psychedelic blues to clubby dance beats and Latin tinged toe-tappers all coming from one artist is sure to keep people on the edge of their seats. With his latest release, Guero, Beck seems to want people to sit back and enjoy the ride. So, what can you compare this album to? Beck’s reunion with the Dust Brothers harkens back to the days of Odelay, and the first few tracks of the album find our artist upbeat and fun. He even throws in a smattering of Mexican slang on “Qué Onda Guero,” reminiscing of “Loser,” perhaps, from 1994’s satisfying release Mellow Gold. But don’t get the wrong idea, Beck has certainly learned from his travels and experiences. “Missing” sounds quite fitting for Beck’s more low-key stylings, a la Mutations, and “Earthquake Weather” and “Broken Drum” remind us that Sea Change was not a hiccup, but something to be remembered and used. Guero is a little piece of every Beck album combined into one. Having spent nearly two decades in the music business has also had its effect on the music. The songwriting is mature and collected, and the beats are polished and very, very nice. This is a wonderful album for spring.
Buy album– Luke X.