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Beck - Odelay

A Review by

Shund


1. Devil’s Haircut
Traditional off-the-wall song that’s become associated with Beck. Background music, as always, is obviously sampled, but the origin is unknown, making it more worthwhile. Random sound effects throughout add to overall appeal and creativity.

Worth - $0.75

2. Hotwax
Possibly one of the best on the album. Begins with a bit of a country-western flavor which carries on through the majority of the song. However, it is interrupted with excellent synchronous beats that have the much sought after “Bob ya head” effect on all within hearing range. The electronica inspired portions are icing on the cake. The end of the song is a deviation from the rest but it definitely rawks.

Worth - $5.00

3. Lord Only Knows
Another country-flavored song, this one more so than Hotwax. The lyrics are standard Beck issue, but the song is quite a big step in a different direction for the band. I didn’t hate it...but I wouldn’t listen to it when in the mood for good old fashioned Beck artistry.

Worth - $0.10

4.  The New Pollution
Back to the Beck ways. This song starts out wonderfully with sort of a 1950’s commerical feel. Very relaxing beats and rhythm. Even the chorus and solo’s are kept softened. Thumbs up from me.

Worth - $1.50

5. Derelict
Very eerie song. Dark. Almost too dark. However it still has a large appeal when it comes to the chorus. Its a song you will get mixed feelings about. The kind where you listen to it the first few times and hate it, but then after a while you start to sort of enjoy it. OH DEAR GOD! ITS COMPARABLE TO HEROIN! Ah well...this is one poison I welcome. Like I said though, its dark...not for you happy-go-lucky nutjobs out there.

Worth - $1.50

6. Novacane
This one has a pretty cool intro. The majority of the song ain’t to shabby either. Its a little more rap-oriented than most classic Beck. This song mixes it all up in the sound dept. Everything from a fairly hard rhythm to a softer guitar solo, and even a excerpt from what sounds like a 1970’s dance show. An enjoyable song for people who like variety. Gets a little annoying towards the end though.

Worth: $1.00

7. Jack-ass
Starts out with a Muzak rhythm. Another song with an obvious country influence, something prevalent on this CD. This one is very mellow. Good to listen to while lying around or just driving down the road. Not a stand-out song, but worth listening to once in a while.

Worth: $0.75

8. Where It’s At
The Headliner of the whole album. “Where It’s At” combines turn-table mixing with digital audio effects and smooth melody. Truly a “cool” song. Another head-bobber. I give it my seal of approval for sure. One of my faves. The lyrics rock the shizzy, too. Unparalleled since “Loser.”

Worth: $10.00

9. Minus
Very punk-ish. Far from one of my favorites. This doesn’t belong on this album. The only real downer to the CD. Its apparent that they were trying to please too many people with this one...damned punk crowd. Listen to real music!

Worth: Owes me $1.00

10. Sissyneck
The redeemer for the “Minus” blemish. Similar to “Hotwax” with a little bit more of the country styling in the chorus. Beck can really pull it off. I love how they integrate other music genres. They are definitely indefinable. Thumbs way up on this hit. Lyrics are a masterpiece.

Worth: $4.95

11. Readymade
Not a horrible song, but not a major contributor the overall greatness of the CD. Lyrically its great, but the music leaves something to be desired. Might as well be acapella (sp?). But I suppose it is a bit enjoyable...just not near a fave.

Worth: $0.10

12. High 5
Completely ragin’ song! I love it! Rap/Hip Hop-inspired but still retaining those kickass Beck bits of originality that make us all come back for more. I gotta give them a mega-high rating for this one, because it deviates in such a perfect way that it sticks in your head. “HIGH 5! MORE DEAD THAN ALIVE!”

Worth: $9.99

13. Ramshackle
Very relaxing, mellow song. Enjoyable much like Jack-ass. I give it a neutral thumb...not great, not bad...just fine. I like it. Its a mood song. One step above depressed...one step below ecstatic. Reminds me of Nirvana.

Worth: $1.50

Album worth: $36.14

Album price: $14.99

 


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