I've spun it once so far, but heard some of the songs several times on the internet before I bought the album.

I have to say, some of it is mindblowing, but not all of it. The songs I hadn't heard from the net previously stood out as the more interesting ones, but songs like Que Onda Guero, Girl and E-Pro I think will need to grow on me. All in all I am not fond of the production job....there is not enough treble, bass and resonance in it for me. The first time I have been disappointed in the production on a Beck album. Some of the songs are too simplistic or just plain weird, too. And parts of the songs get a little dull in spots, but all in all I like the general fusing of dark lyrics with up beats. Even though I fault the production, the one aspect of it I do like is that Beck has gone back to an organic process.

I give it ***1/2 out of 5 stars, so far.

I may change my opinion on it later.

Well.. I guess I'll know after it hits the fucking store now, won't I?

CinisterCee said:

What does Guero mean?
How do you pronounce it?

PANDURITO said:

You cheeky "no hablar espanol" chappie.

Yo hablo español muy bien, gracias.

Still I don't know what Guero means
Must be Mexican

PANDURITO said:

Seriously? No comprendo Guero?

Guero means "white boy"

The great thing about Beck is that he usually is so eclectic on each official album, there's something for everyone.. it ranges from hip hop, pop rock, rock, experimental, ect. . its endless..
This album would've been a stepping stone to Odelay.. but this time around things are much more different. This collection of songs on Guero are mature, sometimes delicate, Dark and heavily Structured. Its apparent that these are songs he has written throughout his entire career.. they touch on each of his previous albums, but in a very pure way.
I always considered Odelay to be very sketchy, inventive but still holding onto its initial subject during each track.. Its an amazing period for music, he made his name through that album. This time around, the rough, tough feel of Odelay is back in a new form.. Becks form.
Having said that.. He brought back The Dust Brothers, which were on Odelay. Guero has some great loops, hooks, sounds that are just flat out tight. Nothing seems out of place, and the backbone of each song is flushed with great sounds that make each individual song interesting.
"Missing" showcases some amazing string sections that reflect his Sea Change album.
All of the songs seem to carry a upbeat tune, but dark lyrics.. I consider this album Dark, but there is a energy in the album that creates a more positive feeling than the lyrics display. All in all.. its impressive.
This is technically Becks 10th album, and its safe to say.. the only way to describe Beck.. is only through is music. He is truely original and hasnt missed a beat since the moment he touched music.
Even the more slow tunes, have a energy.. a static feeling that is almost soothing to listen to. Every song is raw and every song brings the mind to imagination... I say this because of the sound effects, and lyrics.. I seem to be in my own world listening to these tracks.

mrdespues said:

I pretty much agree with you -- although, I've only heard the early circulations. But, yeah, E-Pro and the like just seem kind of uninspired to me. There's something missing, and I can't quite put my finger on it. It all sounds a bit outake-y, but I'm wondering if that might just be the files I have.

Sorry this is kinda off topic...but has that Beck track with Aaliyah ever been released?

MendesCity said:

I have the released album and the songs you mention - the ones that floated around the net - are virtually identical on the album. yes, some of these songs definitely lack PUNCH and I wish these songs had the production values of Midnite Vultures instead of Sea Change and Odelay mixed together.

CinisterCee said:

sorry, it hit the stores in Australia yesterday.

AshK said:

the song is called "I Am Music" and I believe that Beck had a part in the writing of it. He doesn't appear on the track though, to my knowledge. This song will appear on the forthcoming Aaliyah best-of.

Okay, I've had another listen. My rating of this album stays the same and I DO think it's a pretty good album. The only thing is I still dislike the production. I felt the same way when the Red Hot Chili Peppers came out with Californication.....WHERE IS THE STEREO? There is little to NO panning on Californication, just like this new Beck album.

It's like the COLOUR has been sapped out of it. I can safely say now that my opinion is that Beck has taken a step BACKWARD. MANY of these songs sound like B-sides and it's like connect-the-dots Beck in black and white. This album is definitely not shining as bright for me as the rest of his catalogue.

all that said, i usually end up liking music i'm not that plussed with at first, like many people.

Okay, after listening to it for about 6 spins total, I'm REALLY digging this album afterall. As long as I EQ it a bit better than the way it is on the CD originally, it's really pretty cool and relaxing and funky and eerie and SPECIAL.

I now concede to give it 4 stars out of 5.

Where the hell are the other people who have heard this album?

It's pretty darn brilliant, if you take it WITH the flaws and just dig the SOUNDZZz.



.
[Edited 3/21/05 0:17am]

After having listened to it for about 10 times now,

01. E-Pro 8/10
02. Que Onda Guero 7/10
03. Girl 8/10
04. Missing 7/10
05. Black Tamborine 9/10
06. Earthquake weather 7+/10
07. Hell Yes 8/10
08. Broken Drum 9+/10
09. Scarecrow 9/10
10. Go It Alone 6/10
11. Farewell Ride 6/10
12. Rental Car 7/10
13. Emergency Exit 9/10
14. Send A Message To Her 7/10
15. Chain Reaction 6+/10
16. Crap Hands 8/10


All in all, I think it's a pretty darn great album
with some moments of absolute brilliant beauty and
a few of lesser glory.

But there's nothing obviously "skip worthy" on it
and it's got a certain own atmosphere and I like
that in an album.

IstenSzek said:

Yes, I agree, although the last song you listed is actually called "Clap Hands", I believe.

mrdespues said:

"crap hands"

IstenSzek said:

What about...?

17. Girl (Remix by Octet)
18. Broken Drum (Remix by Boards of Canada)
19. Still Missing (Remix by Royskopp)
20. Fax Machine Anthem

PANDURITO said:

what about

larslimburg1978@gmail.com

Still waiting for the postman.
Guess you'll hear them sooner than me.
Anyway I'll remember to ask you.

PANDURITO said:

you're too nice

Pretty decent set.

I got it a couple of weeks ago and I love it.

mrdespues said:

Perhaps a better question would be how tightly are the lips of the Rolling Stone critic going to be puckered up to Beck's booty when it's reviewed? They go bananas over every BM he makes.