In the early days of his career, after every relatively mainstream major-label album (MELLOW GOLD, ODELAY), Beck would then release a more experimental indie disc such as the lo-fi ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE or the knotty STEREOPATHETIC SOULMANURE. Similarly, Beck has been fond of stylistic experiments such as the Brazilian-influenced MUTATIONS and the warped R&B of MIDNITE VULTURES. As he's matured as an artist, these smaller-scale releases and genre exercises have fallen somewhat off the radar, but the quickly recorded and loose-limbed MODERN GUILT recalls the feeling of those rough-edged earlier records. Paradoxically, it may also be his most immediately accessible and pop-oriented album ever. A stripped-down collaboration with Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton of Gnarls Barkley fame, MODERN GUILT is rooted in 1960s pop, from the British Invasion vibe of the bouncy "Gamma Ray" to the woozy psychedelia of "Chemtrails." Chan Marshall (aka Cat Power) also provides guest vocals on two songs, "Orphans" and "Walls." MODERN GUILT is available as a digital download, a standard CD, and a vinyl LP.
Recording information: Anonyme Studios, Los Angeles, CA.
Photographer: Drew Brown.
Personnel: Beck (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, flute, percussion); Chan Marshall (vocals); Jason Falkner (guitar, bass guitar); Larry Corbett (cello); Greg Kurstin (piano, organ, synthesizer); Danger Mouse (synthesizer, keyboard bass, programming); Brian LeBarton (synthesizer); Matt Mahaffey (bass guitar); Joey Waronker (drums); Drew Brown.
Audio Mixer: Darrell Thorp.
Rolling Stone (p.89) - Ranked #8 in Rolling Stone's 50 Best Albums Of 2008 -- "MODERN GUILT has plenty of electricity and playful funk..." Spin (p.102) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "[E]eerily soulful psychedelic rock, as focused as it is trippy, with the meditative nuance of 2002's SEA CHANGE." Spin (p.50) - Ranked #15 in Spin's "40 Best Albums Of 2008" -- "[T]he baby-faced boundary-buster delivered a spooky dose of downer psych." Q (Magazine) (p.134) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Happily, the concise MODERN GUILT is a return to form....Always a musical magpie, here it's prog and pscychedelia that have caught Beck's eye." Mojo (Publisher) (p.104) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "MODERN GUILT is a record of adult confusion and world-worn sensuality, crafted into colour-saturated, three-minute frames. Wisdom and wonder align in the same package." Mojo (Publisher) (p.72) - Ranked #19 in Mojo's "The 50 Best Albums Of 2008" -- "MODERN GUILT proved Beck still had the ZEITGEIST on speed-dial." Blender (Magazine) (p.82) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "MODERN GUILT mixes ancient rock -- mainly the incense-and-peppermints-flavored '60s psychedelia of REVOLVER-era Beatles, the Zombies and Pink Floyd -- with the woozy, abstract beats Danger Mouse manages to turn into freaked-out fun."
Genius Beck is an absolute genius,his music is always edgy and full of details and new sound,a must buy.5 stars. Submitted by Cyrus (Dayville,Ct) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 9 of 9 found this helpful.
Beck at his finest This album is one of Beck's finest, tightest, pieces of art... while he doesn't strive for the moon on this album with anything too much new & uncharted, he nontheless shows just how amazingly artist he remains, head & shoulders above just about everyone else in the music industry.
Beck is an all-time genius with unparalleled individuality- Danger Mouse just happens to be along for this here ride* Submitted by Mark (Toronto, ON) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Very good album This is one of those albums that grows on you after each listen. There are so many things happening underneath, sounds that you don't hear at the first listens. The songs seem really simple and straightforward, but it's just a first impression, be assured. Beck is back with an excellent album, and songs like Youthless, Chemtrails or Gamma Ray are real gems. You can vote your favorite songs off this record at the following page: votesongs.blogspot.c om /2008/08/ beck-modern-guilt.html Submitted by d8uke_puccini (TM, RO) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Beck & Danger Mouse = Killer Album this is to all the people on the fence about beck, or thinking about buying this album. do it, buy all of becks albums, this man is a genius, & then you put danger mouse in the mix. the only thing i don't like about this album is that its only 10 songs. Submitted by bottzy (mendota, ill-nois, use) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Have you heard this album?
Buy Modern Guilt CD
Buy Beck - Modern Guilt Posters From Allposters.com
Genius
Very good album
Share this Product