Bought the new Beck album yesterday and I was quite surprised. After his latest album (Midnite Vultures), which was a sort of Prince-influenced funky album, he now comes with a very down, quiet album. apparently he broke up with his long-time girlfriend and this definately reflects in the lyrics and the mood of the music.

Musically it's most close to his Mutations album, which is absolutely my favorite, only it's a bit less sparkly. Production is by Nigel Godrich (most famous of producing Radiohead's OK Computer, but he also did Mutations) and that's quitew obvious: lots of atmospheric noises that perfectly compliment the quiet mostly acoustic guitar-based songs. The musicianship is excellent, like on Mutations and very much to the point. The addition of inventive string arrangements to many songs works great as well.

Definatley an album you need to be in the mood for,m but there's tons of stuff to discover on it!

-dennis-