nosmiles's Music Page / Album Reviews

Mellow Gold - Beck

Rating: 8/10
All Music Guide said:
  • Throughout the record, Beck plays as if there are no divisions between musical genres, freely blending rock, rap, folk, psychedelia, and country. Although his inspired sense of humor occasionally plays like he's a smirking, irony-addled hipster, his music is never kitschy, and his wordplay is constantly inspired.
  • It's a dizzying demonstration of musical skills, yet it's all tied together by a simple yet clever sense of songcraft and a truly original lyrical viewpoint, one that's basic yet as colorful as free verse. By blending boundaries so thoroughly and intoxicatingly, Mellow Gold established a new vein of alternative rock, one that was fueled by ideas instead of attitude.

    nosmiles agrees: Breaking genre boundaries, a pinch of humor, and penetrating souls is what Beck does best. By throwing ideas into a mix of guitars, beats, and vocals, this album is full of enough pleasant sounds as it is full of satire.

    Best Aspect: Diversity
    Worst Aspect: Musical Changes
    Yay: Loser, Yellow Sweat, Pay No Mind
    Nay: Black Hole, Sweet Sunshine.
    Hits: Loser
    Similar: Cornershop, Eels, Hayden
    Style: Indie/Alt Rock

    • Track List
    1. Loser
    2. Pay No Mind (Snoozer)
    3. Mountain Dew Rock
    4. Wishkeyclone, Hotel City 1997
    5. Soul Sucking Jerk
    6. Truckdrivin Neighbors Downstairs (Yellow Sweat)
    7. Sweet Sunshine
    8. Beercan
    9. Steal My Body Home
    10. Nitemare Hippy Girl
    11. Muther
    12. Black Hole