Beck’s newest album full of unique, innovative sound
With funky beats, odd lyrical context ‘The Information’ proves not to be mainstream
By Jess Novak, contributing writer
Posted on October 5, 2006

Beck Hansen is an oddball in the music industry today, no doubt about it. But his unusual computer-generated techno beats mixed with haunting whispered lyrics, graceful guitar and sparse piano actually come together surprisingly well in his newest release The Information.

Produced by Radiohead’s own Nigel Godrich, the mastermind arranger behind Thom Yorke’s newest solo album The Eraser, Beck’s sound is undeniably reminiscent of both Radiohead and Yorke, both within the lyrical context and musical techniques. However, Beck’s unusual poetic rap style sets him apart in the very best ways.

From the “1, 2, you know what to do,” introduction of the album, Beck dives into a thick and steady groove with his autobiographic smooth rap jiving above. As he continues talking to the listener through his jumbled lyrics, it’s impossible to deny that even though the story he’s telling might not make any sense, the beat is still irresistible.

The album progresses with “Think I’m in Love,” arguably one of the best tracks of The Information. Beck shows his softer, more vulnerable side describing “I think I’m in love/but it makes me kinda nervous to say so … counting all the cash from an old shoebox/saving up to buy her something she wants.” The unusual love song moves along with a steady bass line leading the way and a funky violin and guitar bridge interrupting the computer techno theme dominating most of the album.

The rest of the record is spattered with deep grooves and laid-back funky rhythms, giving the listener a choice of relaxed driving music or fun, energy-packed tunes they can move to. And whether it’s a funky, fast-paced tune like “Nausea,” or a chill, whispered type like “New Round,” each track on the album has lyrics that will leave any listener at a loss of interpretation for the cryptic messages embedded in the genius poetic rambles Beck seems to have down to an art.

But the mind-numbing lyrics, chaotic beats and techno embellishments aren’t the only interesting part of the album. The audio CD also includes a sheet of stickers to decorate the album cover and a DVD of music videos beyond any logical description. For example, parts of the “Elevator Music” video include Beck singing while playing a gun like a guitar with someone in aviators practicing karate in the psychedelic background. From there, the videos only get weirder — and that’s an understatement.

Though arguably not as catchy as some of his previous releases, The Information is definitely different from most mainstream music lining the shelves of local CD stores today. Unlike most other contemporary artists, Beck continues to innovate and try new methods and sounds, and always seems to discover something worth listening to along the way. “When the information comes/We’ll know what we’re made from/The skyline rising/High-rise eyes see for you.” The Information’s here, and there is plenty to see.