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Beck — Paper Tiger
Album: Sea Change
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1630









Released: 2002
Length: 4:30
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Just like a paper tiger
Torn apart by idle hands
Through the helter skelter morning
Fix yourself while you still can

No more ashes to ashes
No more cinders from the sky
Let all the laws of creation
Tell a dead man how to die

Oh deserts down below us
And storms up above
Like a stray dog gone defective
Like a paper tiger in the sun

Looking through a broken diamond
To make the past what it should be
Through the ruins and the weather
Capsized boats in the sea

Oh deserts down below us
And storms up above
Like a stray dog gone defective
Like a paper tiger in the sun

We're just holding on to nothing
To see how long nothing lasts

Oh deserts down below us
And storms up above
Like a stray dog gone defective
Like a paper tiger in the sun

There's one road to the morning
There's one road to the truth
There's one road back to civilization
But there's no road back to you
Comments (181)add comment
This album really was a Sea Change for me.  I've played it for years. 
Posted 2 years ago by Michaeljcovel    [ Reply ]
Inspired from Serge Gainsbourg's 'Medoly Nelson" many years ago. A reference for many bands around the world.
Posted 2 years ago by stp.bert    [ Reply ]
Great bass
Posted 2 years ago by jasko    [ Reply ]
What a shame he's only known in the mainstream for "Loser" and "Where It's At"... his later stuff was so much better.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Further to my earlier praise for tonight's (UK) playlist, it ends with this track. Dreadful.
Posted 2 years ago by BonzoWiltsUK    [ Reply ]
Really nearly 20 years ago?
Posted 3 years ago by deniseperry    [ Reply ]
In totality, the best breakup album ever.  
Posted 3 years ago by sieversfam    [ Reply ]
Half heard this from the other side of the workshop and thought it was Melody Nelson
Posted 4 years ago by laverdakeith    [ Reply ]
 Noé wrote:

Bon alors copie + ?? {#Wave} Habile ... N'oublie pas que l'on parle à 98% de personnes qui ne connaissent pas GAINSBOURG {#Ask}
 
You're right, Noe:!  I had never heard of Serge Gainsbourg until just now!  The Wikipedia article on him makes me curious.  So, I clicked over to Amazon and ordered a copy of "Initials SG:" for starters... 
Posted 4 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
Brilliant! Best failed rapper I know of. 
Posted 5 years ago by easmann    [ Reply ]
 alph wrote:
Sneaky. Great stuff from Beck. This album has always been one of my favorites. It's like Beck took valium for a few months and ended up with enough material to cut a record. And it's titled very appropriately when you consider that it followed Midnite Vultures.
 
I always imagined a break-up prompting this album (esp w/ Lost Cause, Guess I'm Doin' Fine, Already Dead). But, your assessment, given the follow to Vultures, made me laugh (equally, a kick-a$$, albeit a VERY different album)! 
Posted 5 years ago by dontcallmeJenny    [ Reply ]
Genius! What a masterpiece, even if clearly 110% Serge Gainsbouresque.
Posted 5 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
Far out stuff!  Love the flow of the bass riffs combined with the violins. Good sound, flows cool and keen. My compliments on the selection. 
Posted 5 years ago by subs2019    [ Reply ]
Great track.

 coccyx wrote:
dull
heavy handed
sham
 
I think you're a bit too over critical of this song ...Sound like my music teacher at school!
Posted 5 years ago by t0m5k1    [ Reply ]
Diggin' it.  Reminds me of Gus Dudgeon's production work with early Elton John, using big string parts right up front.
Posted 5 years ago by mread    [ Reply ]
Seventeen years old, wow
Posted 5 years ago by Shaggy27    [ Reply ]
 yoksa wrote:
He should have gone to therapy instead of introducing the use of music for purposes of masturbation.
 
What? WTF?

You force me to agree with the hater. Damn you!  
Posted 6 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
 yoksa wrote:
He should have gone to therapy instead of introducing the use of music for purposes of masturbation.
 
 Normally I have something pithy to say but..... WTF!?!
Posted 6 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
He should have gone to therapy instead of introducing the use of music for purposes of masturbation.
Posted 6 years ago by yoksa    [ Reply ]
 CoYoT51 wrote:

Une simple copie ? Tu te fous de qui, là ?
Tu ne peux pas être de bonne foi. C'est un superbe hommage, mais on est très très TRES loin de la simple copie. C'est très "inspiré de" mais tu ne peux décemment pas nier qu'il y a dans ce morceau un gros travail de compo et d'arrangement. Et, crois-moi, c'est un vrai fan de Gainsbourg qui t'écrit.
Dans la "copie", il a un irrespect caractérisé de l'auteur. Ici, c'est le respect même qui guide la partition de Beck... comme il l'a fait auparavant avec... Charlotte.

 
Bon alors copie + ?? {#Wave} Habile ... N'oublie pas que l'on parle à 98% de personnes qui ne connaissent pas GAINSBOURG {#Ask}
Posted 6 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
1971 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3C4AVbqyY8 Same mélody  ;-)
Posted 6 years ago by art123    [ Reply ]
 Noé wrote:
It's just a copy ... sorry

 
Une simple copie ? Tu te fous de qui, là ?
Tu ne peux pas être de bonne foi. C'est un superbe hommage, mais on est très très TRES loin de la simple copie. C'est très "inspiré de" mais tu ne peux décemment pas nier qu'il y a dans ce morceau un gros travail de compo et d'arrangement. Et, crois-moi, c'est un vrai fan de Gainsbourg qui t'écrit.
Dans la "copie", il a un irrespect caractérisé de l'auteur. Ici, c'est le respect même qui guide la partition de Beck... comme il l'a fait auparavant avec... Charlotte.
Posted 7 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:
I have no Beck records and RP is the only place I hear him
and I dig it every time 

 
S-Dog!  Hate to see you so unhappy!  Go to iTunes and enjoy as much Beck as you can handle!
Posted 7 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
A masterpiece, a great great tribute to Serge Gainsbourg!
Posted 7 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
YEAH!  Wow, this sounds as good to me now as when it came out, dig...
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
It's just a copy ... sorry
Posted 7 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
Best strings in rock since Madman Across the Water.
Posted 7 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Lesson the album of Serge Gainsbourg : "L'Histoire de Melody Nelson" 1970.

Is it because Beck had work with her daughter Charlotte ? {#Ask}


Posted 7 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
I have no Beck records and RP is the only place I hear him
and I dig it every time 
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 malamucha wrote:
This must be a tribute to Serge Gainsbourg's Melody Nelson..

Edit:
https://www.whosampled.com/sample/1277/Beck-Paper-Tiger-Serge-Gainsbourg-Cargo-Culte/

 
Melody Nelson is just an awesome album, wish we could hear much more of it on RP!
Posted 7 years ago by Gijåm    [ Reply ]
This must be a tribute to Serge Gainsbourg's Melody Nelson..

Edit:
https://www.whosampled.com/sample/1277/Beck-Paper-Tiger-Serge-Gainsbourg-Cargo-Culte/
Posted 8 years ago by malamucha    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Nick Drake with a string quartet as backup...   diggin it!
Posted 8 years ago by jberko    [ Reply ]
I like this song but I am not sure why, Is it the strings maybe. 
Posted 8 years ago by anika200    [ Reply ]
Best. Song. You know.
Posted 9 years ago by Zoonhollis    [ Reply ]
Beck's "controversial" win at the grammy's or whatever the hell that award show was is solidified every time I hear him sing.
Posted 9 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Sufjan, Radiohead, Beck... Thank you master of segue. 
Posted 9 years ago by MagnusD    [ Reply ]
Just saw this guy on Austin City Limits. Wow!!!!
Absolute waste of my time.  
Posted 9 years ago by Dosequis    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:

Isn't that tiresome? I had someone just recently tell me, in breathless tones, that a musician I liked was a (gasp!) member of a certain religion.

It really doesn't make any difference to me how someone spends their free time. And if I decided I could only listen to musicians or enjoy actors who belonged to a list of approved religious or political beliefs, I'd be bored in a hurry.

Ezra Pound was a fascist - a real one, not just someone with whom you disagree. And yet "Hugh Selwin Mauberley" is one of the few poems I can recite, from memory, long passages. It's a great work, even if the author had repugnant politics.

 
I think he was throwing a jab at our ol' buddy Stingray, who couldn't seem to get past Beck's religion.
Posted 9 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
“Anyone who thinks ‘paper tiger’ is a synonym for ‘harmless’ has never been involved in litigation.”  —Glenn Harlan Reynolds
Posted 9 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Beck to me is Jeff Beck. Not this boring no talent.
Posted 10 years ago by Dosequis    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:

Isn't that tiresome? I had someone just recently tell me, in breathless tones, that a musician I liked was a (gasp!) member of a certain religion.

It really doesn't make any difference to me how someone spends their free time. And if I decided I could only listen to musicians or enjoy actors who belonged to a list of approved religious or political beliefs, I'd be bored in a hurry.

Ezra Pound was a fascist - a real one, not just someone with whom you disagree. And yet "Hugh Selwin Mauberley" is one of the few poems I can recite, from memory, long passages. It's a great work, even if the author had repugnant politics.

 
Word. Although I'm partial to Pound's "The Seafarer." Agree, tho', he was a disagreeable sort. On another note, I went to Sam and Omie's this spring after too long a hiatus and was unnerved to see Jennette's Pier risen from the sand. WTF?
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:

Isn't that tiresome? I had someone just recently tell me, in breathless tones, that a musician I liked was a (gasp!) member of a certain religion.

It really doesn't make any difference to me how someone spends their free time. And if I decided I could only listen to musicians or enjoy actors who belonged to a list of approved religious or political beliefs, I'd be bored in a hurry.

Ezra Pound was a fascist - a real one, not just someone with whom you disagree. And yet "Hugh Selwin Mauberley" is one of the few poems I can recite, from memory, long passages. It's a great work, even if the author had repugnant politics.

 
Shame we are not neighbours... I suspect we would get along just fine.
Keep posting mate...you inspired me to join this community. 
Posted 10 years ago by blauflagge    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano}  As much Beck as you can through at me Bill.  Wonderful Stuff - for me his best album.
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
The Dr. Lonnie Smith version is much better.
Posted 11 years ago by PLC    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this moody thing in a while...really digging the bass and guitar work on it this listen. This & Guero are my fave Beck albums.
Posted 11 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

Hey, where's Stingray to warn us that Beck is a Scientologist? 'Cause I don't want to get Scientologist cooties from listening to Beck's music. 

 
Isn't that tiresome? I had someone just recently tell me, in breathless tones, that a musician I liked was a (gasp!) member of a certain religion.

It really doesn't make any difference to me how someone spends their free time. And if I decided I could only listen to musicians or enjoy actors who belonged to a list of approved religious or political beliefs, I'd be bored in a hurry.

Ezra Pound was a fascist - a real one, not just someone with whom you disagree. And yet "Hugh Selwin Mauberley" is one of the few poems I can recite, from memory, long passages. It's a great work, even if the author had repugnant politics.
Posted 11 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
 CoYoT51 wrote:

Chez Max coiffeur pour homme,
Ou un jour j'entrais comme par hasard,
Me faire raser la couenne et raffraichir les nouilles,
Je tombe sur cette chienne, shampouineuse,
Qui aussitôt m'aveugle par sa beauté païenne et ses mains savoneuses.

Elle se penche et voilà ses doudounes,
comme deux rahat loukoum a la rose,
Qui rebondissent sur ma nuque boum boum.
Je pense à la fille du calif, de la mille et deuxième nuits,
Je sens la pointe d'un canif me percer le coeur je lui dis,

"Petite, je te sors ce soir, okey"?
Elle a d'abord un petit rire comme un hocquet,
Puis sous le sirocco du séchoir dans mes cheveux,
La petite garce laisse choir, "Je veux".



 
 Translation, s'il vous plait? Google Translate made a hash of it. 

Hey, where's Stingray to warn us that Beck is a Scientologist? 'Cause I don't want to get Scientologist cooties from listening to Beck's music. 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 CoYoT51 wrote:
Now it's easy to know that Beck is a huge fan of Serge Gainsbourg. Just listen to 1971 "Ballade de Melody Nelson" for instance and you'll see what I mean.
Beck is gifted, but not a genius.
 
Came here to say this. The resemblance to Gainsbourg's Histoire de Melody Nelson is unmistakeable.
Posted 11 years ago by bisybackson    [ Reply ]
 coccyx wrote:
dull
heavy handed
sham
 
Wrong, wrong, and wrong!  

One of Beck's absolute best;  a shame you can't appreciate the artistry here, Tailbone.   
Posted 11 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Hearing this song reminds me a song of Caroline Loeb, C'est la ouate.
Posted 11 years ago by ture    [ Reply ]
Beck twice today!
Posted 11 years ago by BazH    [ Reply ]
Yes exacly !
I love these last two lines !
 
CoYoT51 wrote:

Chez Max coiffeur pour homme,
Ou un jour j'entrais comme par hasard,
Me faire raser la couenne et raffraichir les nouilles,
Je tombe sur cette chienne, shampouineuse,
Qui aussitôt m'aveugle par sa beauté païenne et ses mains savoneuses.

Elle se penche et voilà ses doudounes,
comme deux rahat loukoum a la rose,
Qui rebondissent sur ma nuque boum boum.
Je pense à la fille du calif, de la mille et deuxième nuits,
Je sens la pointe d'un canif me percer le coeur je lui dis,

"Petite, je te sors ce soir, okey"?
Elle a d'abord un petit rire comme un hocquet,
Puis sous le sirocco du séchoir dans mes cheveux,
La petite garce laisse choir, "Je veux".

 


Posted 11 years ago by FrnaZ    [ Reply ]
dull
heavy handed
sham
Posted 11 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]
 sfoster66 wrote:
I want to like Beck, but just can't get there...does he always have to sound like he doesn't give a crumb about the lyrics...the lazy singing affectation drives me wild.  Get some passion, man.  Quit frickin' mumbling.  'Nuff said.
 
If his singing style "drives (you) wild", then that's a rousing of "passion" all by itself.   Given the subject matter of these lyrics, I'd say he's capturing the appropriate passion, but everyone has a different opinion.

Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Masterpiece album, fabulous song.  And I am not a Beck fan.  I think this is his only good album.
Posted 12 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
Beck.  Please, PLEASE, STFU.
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
I could take it better as an instrumental piece. His voice is an acquired taste - and I haven't acquired it.
Posted 12 years ago by ejsamuel    [ Reply ]
Best strings since early 70s Elton John.
Posted 12 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:

Hey, I don't care if he has a statue of Baal in his house. The guy is one of the preeminent singer/songwriter/musicians of all time.

Who gives a sh*t what his religion is?

BTW, I think Scientology is a load, same as you. {#Daisy}
 
{#Eek}

Posted 13 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
 sfoster66 wrote:
I want to like Beck, but just can't get there...does he always have to sound like he doesn't give a crumb about the lyrics...the lazy singing affectation drives me wild.  Get some passion, man.  Quit frickin' mumbling.  'Nuff said.
 

When you feel the sort of emotions that this song evokes, you may not feel like shouting.

Posted 13 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:


Beck collaborated with Charlotte, Serge's daughter on her IRM album in 2009
 

Kewl! Didn't know that! However, I am fully aware that IRM is the best album of 2009 IMO.{#Notworthy}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]

Chez Max, coiffeur pour homme,
Où un jour j'entrais comme par hasard,
Me faire raser la couenne et raffraichir les nouilles,
Je tombe sur cette chienne, shampouineuse,
Qui aussitôt m'aveugle par sa beauté païenne et ses mains savoneuses.

Elle se penche et voilà ses doudounes,
comme deux rahat loukoum à la rose,
Qui rebondissent sur ma nuque boum boum.
Je pense à la fille du calif, de la mille et deuxième nuit,
Je sens la pointe d'un canif me percer le coeur je lui dis,

"Petite, je te sors ce soir, OK ?"
Elle a d'abord un petit rire comme un hocquet,
Puis sous le sirocco du séchoir dans mes cheveux,
La petite garce laisse choir, "Je veux".


Posted 13 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
Good solid tune.

Posted 13 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
Nice "same producer" seque from No Surprises
Posted 13 years ago by thatslongformud    [ Reply ]
More Beck is better: bumper stickers should be issued.

Cheers.

{#Clap}
Posted 13 years ago by jersey_birdman    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:

Hey, I don't care if he has a statue of Baal in his house. The guy is one of the preeminent singer/songwriter/musicians of all time.

Who gives a sh*t what his religion is?

BTW, I think Scientology is a load, same as you.{#Daisy}
 

Exactly. 
Posted 14 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 DoctorHooey wrote:
one of my top 10 albums of the aughts, and this track is among the best, even if it's such a Gainsbourg homage
 

Beck collaborated with Charlotte, Serge's daughter on her IRM album in 2009
Posted 14 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
one of my top 10 albums of the aughts, and this track is among the best, even if it's such a Gainsbourg homage
Posted 14 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Now it's easy to know that Beck is a huge fan of Serge Gainsbourg. Just listen to 1971 "Ballade de Melody Nelson" for instance and you'll see what I mean.
Beck is gifted, but not a genius.
Posted 14 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
There's one road to the morning
There's one road to the truth
There's one road back to civilization
But there's no road back to you....
Posted 14 years ago by GT66    [ Reply ]
 Just take a moment to consider the passion and brilliance that went into the arrangement of this song.  That's all Beck too.  It's laziness on your part to focus on only one part of the work and then characterize the artist based on that.


sfoster66 wrote:
I want to like Beck, but just can't get there...does he always have to sound like he doesn't give a crumb about the lyrics...the lazy singing affectation drives me wild.  Get some passion, man.  Quit frickin' mumbling.  'Nuff said.
 

Posted 14 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
I want to like Beck, but just can't get there...does he always have to sound like he doesn't give a crumb about the lyrics...the lazy singing affectation drives me wild.  Get some passion, man.  Quit frickin' mumbling.  'Nuff said.
Posted 14 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
 amoreena wrote:
Anyone else hear Madman Across the Water channeled here?
 
Yup.  I think that's one of my favorite parts of this song.

Posted 14 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
 YourNameHere wrote:
Beck is the only positive association I have regarding Scientology.  I think the organization is corrupt and bat shit crazy, but god bless them if they had any role in scrambling Beck's mind to cause it to create all of this great music.
 
 
Hey, I don't care if he has a statue of Baal in his house. The guy is one of the preeminent singer/songwriter/musicians of all time.

Who gives a sh*t what his religion is?

BTW, I think Scientology is a load, same as you.{#Daisy}
Posted 14 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 YourNameHere wrote:
Beck is the only positive association I have regarding Scientology.  I think the organization is corrupt and bat shit crazy, but god bless them if they had any role in scrambling Beck's mind to cause it to create all of this great music.
 
 
I had no idea whatsoever of this fact regarding Scientology and Beck.
It most definitely hurts my view of him regardless of how many excellent cuts he's written.
I doubt that the cult is the reason for his brilliant musical skills though.

Posted 15 years ago by j7    [ Reply ]
Beck is the only positive association I have regarding Scientology.  I think the organization is corrupt and bat shit crazy, but god bless them if they had any role in scrambling Beck's mind to cause it to create all of this great music.
 


Posted 15 years ago by YourNameHere    [ Reply ]
great CD. One of those my kids snuck out of my collection and has not returned yet. Passes that test!
Posted 15 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
 grandkrok wrote:
Beck is pretty goog. It's a mix with S. Gainsbourg... HE won't be upset about it.. And let's the music bless him.
My band was playing in a squat at Geneve (ch) on the 3/2/1991 (2 march 1991, for us in Europe).
 In the middle of the show  it was tell HE was dead ; we thought it was a belge  joke.HAHaHA.
 At the morning, the daylies such as "Le Matin" fronted Gainsbourg 's gone...
Sad day for all fellows and for everyone...
So I'm glad BECK mixed it  with heart.
 
I have no idea what you are talking about.... {#Confused}
Posted 15 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]
I urge all listeners who haven't heard it - this song clearly rips off Serge Gainsbourg's 1971 album Histoire de Melody Nelson - and if you like this tune, you'll love the real thing. If you're only going to have one French language record this is it.
Posted 15 years ago by Jungle_Jim    [ Reply ]
Beck is pretty goog. It's a mix with S. Gainsbourg... HE won't be upset about it.. And let's the music bless him.
My band was playing in a squat at Geneve (ch) on the 3/2/1991 (2 march 1991, for us in Europe).
 In the middle of the show  it was tell HE was dead ; we thought it was a belge  joke.HAHaHA.
 At the morning, the daylies such as "Le Matin" fronted Gainsbourg 's gone...
Sad day for all fellows and for everyone...
So I'm glad BECK mixed it  with heart.
Posted 15 years ago by grandkrok    [ Reply ]
 daveesh wrote:
i keep reading all kinds of malarky like "he stole the the strings from so-and-so..." or "he ripped this riff off of blah-blah-blah..." 

big deal! so you recognize something. i'm sure that's the point. what, did you think he was trying to put one over on you? his music is derivative. it's his style. he picks up riffs and sound effects and samples from all kinds of musical genres, then weaves them into something uniquely his own. that's what is great about beck and what i find endlessly fascinating.
 
I agree. This is totally different from someone endlessly repeating the defining hook of a 70's or 80's hit with a beat mixed underneath it. Like the horrid "Call on me" from Prydz which rapes a Steve Winwood song, or Madonna using an expensive but creatively cheap sample from an ABBA hit.

Posted 15 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
 daveesh wrote:
did i mention that i love this tune? 

i keep reading all kinds of malarky like "he stole the the strings from so-and-so..." or "he ripped this riff off of blah-blah-blah..." 

big deal! so you recognize something. i'm sure that's the point. what, did you think he was trying to put one over on you? his music is derivative. it's his style. he picks up riffs and sound effects and samples from all kinds of musical genres, then weaves them into something uniquely his own. that's what is great about beck and what i find endlessly fascinating.
 
Couldn't agree with you more. The guy lives and breaths music, he's one of the most interesting artists going today.

lewie221 - So true, unfortunately instead of audio quality the music biz went in the direction to audio portability, hence digital files, ipods, etc. It's too bad because the sound quality on some of those SA-CDs is amazing.
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
This song (and set) was a definite highlight when he played at the Hollywood Bowl last fall. Had his dad's orchestra backing - it was pretty sensational.


Posted 15 years ago by unbracketed    [ Reply ]
Ahhh...  from Beck's last great album.  Let's hope there's another one in the future.
Posted 15 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
Beck is undoubtedly one of the most creative and unique talents going today. 
Posted 15 years ago by eddief    [ Reply ]
I thought this was Lou Reed for a moment.
Posted 16 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]

This guy has so many different grooves. I am constantly impressed by his range. Great stuff Bill. 


Posted 16 years ago by Hollywood2112    [ Reply ]
This album singlehandedly changed my attitude about Beck.  Great album from beginning to end.
Posted 16 years ago by greyfin10    [ Reply ]
did i mention that i love this tune? 

i keep reading all kinds of malarky like "he stole the the strings from so-and-so..." or "he ripped this riff off of blah-blah-blah..." 

big deal! so you recognize something. i'm sure that's the point. what, did you think he was trying to put one over on you? his music is derivative. it's his style. he picks up riffs and sound effects and samples from all kinds of musical genres, then weaves them into something uniquely his own. that's what is great about beck and what i find endlessly fascinating.


Posted 16 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
Anyone else hear Madman Across the Water channeled here?
Posted 16 years ago by amoreena    [ Reply ]
It's a shame SA-CD never caught on. I have a 5-channel mix of this album and it's mindblowing. Lights out, toke up if that's your thing, lie in the middle of the floor and be amazed.
Posted 16 years ago by lewie221    [ Reply ]
 AlienRelic wrote:
Beck's music has been growing on me since I first heard him, but I'm not especially fond of this. Too much orchestration for me.
 

I agree, he grows on me also, but I love the orchestration.  It is LARGE. 
Posted 16 years ago by ronniegirl    [ Reply ]
The strings remind me a little of the Shawshenk Redemtion music.

I think he is channeling David Bowie Alladin Sane in the cover for this album. All he needs is the drop of mercury on his shoulder.

Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
Hey, somebody added lyrics to David Holmes' (Serge Gainsbourg's) Don't Die Just Yet.


Posted 16 years ago by BlueOx    [ Reply ]
Beck's music has been growing on me since I first heard him, but I'm not especially fond of this. Too much orchestration for me.


Posted 16 years ago by AlienRelic    [ Reply ]
This guy amazes me. Never heard of him prior to RP. I keep hearing a tune here and there. He's so risky, unique. Never know what's coming next. This is a true artist. Bravo.
Posted 16 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
Monkeysdad wrote:
Love this. Anyone else hear some Zero 7 in there?
Definitely, def.
Posted 16 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
Best song from the best Beck album, so far. Heartbreak seems to be a good muse, however sad it may be.
Posted 16 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
we were dead before the ship even sank.
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
WLS_AM890 wrote:
Great stuff indeed from Beck - very different from his norm, but my favorite album. His muse here was not chemical - it was acute melancholia from a bad break-up.
So, in fact it was chemical. Right?
Posted 16 years ago by doctec    [ Reply ]
This is the ultimate breakup album. Seriously. Anyone going through a fresh breakup should get this - you will bawl your eyes out and be over it in record time. This is easily my favorite Beck album. Soooo good start to back. Much props to Nigel Godrich.
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
alph wrote:
Sneaky. Great stuff from Beck. This album has always been one of my favorites. It's like Beck took valium for a few months and ended up with enough material to cut a record. And it's titled very appropriately when you consider that it followed Midnite Vultures.
Great stuff indeed from Beck - very different from his norm, but my favorite album. His muse here was not chemical - it was acute melancholia from a bad break-up.
Posted 16 years ago by WLS_AM890    [ Reply ]
Sneaky. Great stuff from Beck. This album has always been one of my favorites. It's like Beck took valium for a few months and ended up with enough material to cut a record. And it's titled very appropriately when you consider that it followed Midnite Vultures.
Posted 16 years ago by alph    [ Reply ]
Verpeiler wrote:
Is the whole album this cool and relaxed?
it's very melancholy
Posted 16 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
total geklaut ( fast 1 ZU 1 ) bei serge gainsbourg`s historie de melody nelson
Posted 17 years ago by loversclub    [ Reply ]
Monkeysdad wrote:
Love this. Anyone else hear some Zero 7 in there?
Some? I thought this might be their new CD. Is the whole album this cool and relaxed?
Posted 17 years ago by Verpeiler    [ Reply ]
The live show is awesome.
Posted 17 years ago by jbeadle5868    [ Reply ]
healyf52 wrote:
The more I listen, the more I appreciate Beck. I'm becomming a fan. He's honest, not trying to manipulate, he's true to himself and it shows in his music.
Go see him live--he won me over as a complete fan after that...
Posted 17 years ago by lostintokyo    [ Reply ]
Sorry for me English, i'm french but ... Doctorhooey said : " YEAH! Love this!!! Straight outta Melody Nelson but DAMN it just kills." To listen to this song " Melody nelson " ... French song but ... https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2qqpa_serge-gainsbourg-melody-nelson_music Bye ...
Posted 17 years ago by El_Sinsé    [ Reply ]
Love this. Anyone else hear some Zero 7 in there?
Posted 17 years ago by Monkeysdad    [ Reply ]
The more I listen, the more I appreciate Beck. I\'m becomming a fan. He\'s honest, not trying to manipulate, he\'s true to himself and it shows in his music.
Posted 17 years ago by healyf52    [ Reply ]
and the great set continues...
Posted 17 years ago by Raechel    [ Reply ]
YEAH! Love this!!! Straight outta Melody Nelson but DAMN it just kills.
Posted 17 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Not the best track from this album - that would be Track 1 - The Golden Age, but a good one nonetheless. This whole album is great - as is Mutations...his two "mellow" albums. I enjoy his hip-hop parodies as much as the next person - in fact, they are often some of the best songs in the genre, but his genius is more readily apparent when he chills out.
Posted 17 years ago by Guero    [ Reply ]
beck... yechhhh.
Posted 17 years ago by Tagish_girl    [ Reply ]
One of his best, in my view. His lyrics aren't nonsense in this one and the instrumentation has more conviction and complexity than usual. A very strong effort.
Posted 17 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
nothing like a divorce to inspire some awesome music. most artist's "breakup" albums tend to be some of their best work. electronicshaman wrote:
I'm glad it's not just me. This album is such a heartbreaker.
Posted 17 years ago by techer2    [ Reply ]
Love, love, LOVE this strings in this! Really effective! All in all, this is a fantastic album, just a little too depressing for everyday use.
Posted 17 years ago by MissAmy    [ Reply ]
Since this CD is in my media closet, I'll have to pull it out and give it a listen.
Posted 17 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
This song is pretty meager. Swelling strings sound stolen from Superfly's "Freddie's Dead". Vocals sound like a half-hearted attempt to channel Mark Knopfler channelling Bob Dylan. Add in some backward-tracked stuff a' la Sgt. Pepper's and you got a totally derivative piece of filler. Or clogger, depending on which drain you're putting it in.
Posted 17 years ago by fretman    [ Reply ]