At this point in his career Beck seems burdened by expectations inherent after a long recording career with a couple of classic albums in his discography, and yet, because of that career he has the pull and respect to dabble extensively, applying his unique musical mind in other areas to impressive effect. Going forward one hopes Beck can solve whatever ails his solo recording career, and at the same time continue to compile interesting producing credits and side projects.

Well before Napster, MP3s, iTunes, and iPods, Beck’s “Loser” was a bona-fide word of mouth radio hit. Nobody quite knew what the hell he was talking about but it didn’t matter, they couldn’t get enough and the song remained on radio for some time, ascending to #10 on the Billboard chart. Since the smash success of “Loser,” Beck has continually released albums that are commercial and critical successes, either by refining his oddball thrift-store rock milieu or attempting drastic shifts as with the critical darling, Sea Change. In addition to a vital and viable solo recording career, Beck has produced career high-points for others (Charlotte Gainsbourg), curated eclectic side projects (Record Club), and been a pop culture curio (6 SNL apperances, a Futurama cameo, Conan O’Brien’s farewell band, Scientology, et al), through it all Beck remains an indelible and essential musical force.
–

–

Check back with us this week as we take a close look at Beck’s career.

Day 2