Beck - Sea Change

Ever wonder how many songs have been written about relationships? Obviously, in the course of music history, many songs have been written about falling in and out of love. "Love the one you're with," some might say. While others might quip, "Love is a battlefield." There are countless others, but, whichever way you tend to lean, you know there's always a song about how you feel. Let's talk about Beck. Lately, he's one sad guy. "Who cares," the man in the back replies, "he's rich!" Well, what did you do that last time you broke up with your girlfriend? Huh? I bet you just lost 15 pounds, sat around in your underwear, ate dry Cheerios and watched reruns of M.A.S.H. Sounds about right, doesn't it? Ok, if I may continue… Since we've covered how pathetic we all can be, what the heck does Beck Hansen do when he breaks it off with a long-time sweetheart? I'll tell you what Beck does! He makes Sea Change, one fine album! Add about twelve more songs to that list. What is there to say about the new Beck album? In case you're that one person who hasn't heard any of it yet, he's reverted back to the acoustic-laden sound employed in Mutations. Except this time, clearly because of recent events, he's bitter and a tad more comfortable with the dreary, sad-bastard arrangements. Lyrically, this album isn't anything breathtaking, but it is quite honest. It shows in instances like the beginning of "Paper Tiger," which deals with both accepting the loss and moving on (Just like a paper tiger / torn apart by idle hands / through the helter skelter morning / fix yourself while you still can). Think about that line, and then think about the thousands of variations on the same theme, then you'll have all the lyrical content for Sea Change. On the whole, this album is a beauty - pay attention to "Little One" and "Lost Cause". Beck got his Dad to arrange the orchestration and Nigel Godrich was back at the helm on production. On a nice, sunny day, it can get you a bit down, so it's got that going against it. It really should carry a surgeon general's warning, no joke. Also, for fans of Midnite Vultures and Odelay, no dice. You'll have to wait until the next album. Albeit, for anyone who feels like drinking your sorrows away or just don't have the energy to cry yourself to sleep anymore, here's your soundtrack. [www.beck.com]