Comments on: The Over/Under: Beck

By: burgersnflies

burgersnflies — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:01:18 +0000

“the catchiest track from One Foot In The Grave” is hands down “Asshole” and the runner up is without a doubt “Burnt Orange Peel” and I’ll bet twenty bucks of fake money that “I Get Lonesome”, “Atmospheric Conditions”, “He’s a Mighty Good Leader” “Girl Dreams” and “I’ve Seen The Land Beyond” ALL beat “Cyanide Breathmint” in a scientific catchiness test. Good list, just nit-picking on a favorite album

By: Coco

Coco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:06:43 +0000

“…the lyrics are so negative and angst-ridden when compared to some of Beck’s other work, it just sounds like he wrote the song while in a bad mood…”

What’s wrong with that? Most great songs are written when the songwriter is having a bad day. Devil’s haircut isn’t overrated, just became a standard in every Beck’s setlist and also became a theme of the tv series Reaper. But it is a good song.

By: ramrod

ramrod — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:47:47 +0000

are you picking beck’s most underrated songs or just you’re 5 favourite songs. seems kinda pointless making a whole article just based on some dudes opinion..

By: tomnitrus

tomnitrus — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:00:57 +0000

I’ll say I had passed off Beck as a one-hit-wonder (not having any exposure beyond “Loser”) as well, until I saw the video for Devil’s Haircut and fell in love with it instantly. I subsequently bought Odelay, adored it note-for-note and raided every CD store in a fifty mile radius for Beck’s discography.

A devoted fan ever since, I felt deja-vu when Mario C’s Beastie beat formed the signature foundation of “E-pro”. Beck was back with the full force. I adored Guero with the same ferocity, especially the bonus song “Clap Hands”. BUT “Girl” was always a low point for me. The chorus seemed so trite he didn’t even print it in my liner notes.

Finally for those who love (and perhaps miss) Beck’s non-sequitur wordplay and humor from his indie days… look out for the campfire spiel of “bogusflow” and the dastardly joy that is “In A Cold Ass Fashion” on the first Jabberjaw comp. Beck’s delivery of a one-liner can be comic genius on par with some of the world’s greatest stand-up comedians. I still laugh audibly even thinking of the line “I love you but you don’t know how to spell” and the cadence and inflection he gives it. We love you, Beck, don’t ever stop!

By: Russ

Russ — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:06:44 +0000

Thanks for the shoutout, Johnny, although your post was much better worded than mine. I should have mentioned Beck’s ability to twist humor and language in a positive light as well, as you clearly stated. The guy is a genius, and his ambition leaves him prone to the occasional misfire. If only I had that problem!

By: Melvin Ramone

Melvin Ramone — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:44:53 +0000

You guys are nuts (or lame, I can’t decide). “Satan Gave Me A Taco” is a classic. Beck music started to slide when he decided he was above material like that (and lost his sense of humor) and he’s only recently started to get some of the mojo back.

“Nausea” is one of the better newer songs too.

By: Mike M

Mike M — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:40:43 +0000

One Foot In The Grave is one of the best albums ever and I really dig the re-release with all the new tracks. God Bless Beck, BUT I do have to say that I have seen him five times and been underwhelmed every time!

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:02:19 +0000

David, thanks for the info, obviously I’m an idiot, I thought i need some secret decoder ringcode or some shit to get albums the man makes in one day. beck.com duh

By: Johnny

Johnny — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:44:31 +0000

Good point Russ. Beck is capable of remarkable humor both subtle and overt but Satan’s Taco is just plain dumb. He was just a kid at the time though.

By: Russ

Russ — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:53:58 +0000

Satan Gave Me a Taco is a great choice for your overrated list. It’s a novelty song that gives a chuckle on the first listen, but then again, so did a lot of Weird Al’s library, and I don’t see anyone spinning his tracks over and over. All of us write songs of this caliber after a few drinks, when we’re spewing silly, random lyrics in the kitchen.