Beck Mutations (Vinyl)

According to party line, neitherBecknorGeffenever intendedMutationsto be considered as the official follow-up toOdelay, 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 producerNigel Godrich, the man who helmedRadiohead’sacclaimedOK 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,Mutationswas 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 broughtOdelayto 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,Mutationsconfirms this as much as eitherMellow GoldorOdelay.

TRACKLIST
SIDE A

1. Cold Brains
2. Nobody’s Fault But My Own
3. Lazy Files
4. Canceled Check
5. We Live Again
6. Tropicalia

SIDE B

1. Dead Melodies
2. Bottle of Blues
3. O Maria
4. Sing It Again
5. Static