BECK
The Information
Interscope

By: John Dillon

Once again Beck and Nigel Godrich are back together, this time to work on Beck’s latest release, “The Information.” This album has been a work in progress from the day the two finished “Sea Change.” Just to let you know, if you are unaware, Godrich is a legendary modern day producer who has worked on such albums as Beck’s “Mutations” and “Sea Change” along with Radiohead on “Amnesiac” and “Kid A.” During the production and recording of “The Information,” the two legends decided to take a break so that Beck could work on “Guero” with another team of producers who are known as The Dust Brothers (The Fight Club soundtrack). Once the hype of “Guero” dropped, Beck and Godrich got back together to finish “The Information.” This album, much like “Guero,” seems to be a collage of Beck’s past albums. It includes the funk side of his 1999 release, “Midnight Vultures,” along with the hip-hop side of his 1996 release, “Odelay,” and so on.

In Beck’s ninth full length album, he has incorporated every type of music that he has perfected over the course of his career. Even though some fans might criticize Beck for not developing a new sound for this album, he should be praised. “The Information” encompasses everything that Beck is good at. With Godrich at his side, Beck might have produced his most appealing album yet. Not only will this album get radio play, but it is the type of record that can be listened to over and over without getting boring. This album is so well produced that every time you listen you can here something that you missed the previous time.

“The Information” starts with someone saying, “one, two, you know what to do.” That is the truth: Beck knows what he is doing, and he might even be the best musician of my generation (I am only 20 by the way).

This album also includes a DVD that features a music video for every song on the album. Even though some of the videos appear to be cheaply produced, Beck’s imagination is apparent in these strange videos. He even has Devendra Banhart dressed up as a woman in the video for “Strange Apparitions.” “The Information” also includes a blank CD booklet that the purchaser of the album can decorate using the stickers that are provided.

Overall, Beck does a great job with his latest release. Keep an ear open for his critical eye on America and what he thinks of us as the public. Check out the second track “I Think I’m In Love” for a sure radio hit along with “Cell Phone’s Dead” for a funky Os Mutantes/ Devendra Banhart feel.

Rating: 4.3 out of 5