Album: Beck - Modern Guilt Review

Review by Crissy Van Meter

Once again, Beck brings a new sound that ignites nostalgia in all, especially for all those lost souls pondering their existence. Danger Mouse (Co-Producer) contributes some new party beats, and combined with Beck’s melodic lyrics, Modern Guilt is a great accomplishment. The album runs only 33 minutes, but offers a pleasant set of work that toys with new guitar rifts and some playful back beats. Including some dirty garage drums, original pop, and spiritual guitars, the album sways with happiness and some dark moments too. “Gamma Ray” offers a funky sound that is reminiscent of early fifties beach blanket pop, while “Walls” brings an Eastern feel. Of course, “Soul of a Man” really sets the tone for a man’s spiritual journey and his connection to the outside world; a general feeling of the Modern Guilt.

Modern Guilt brings you to your feet, even when it slows down. While Beck still bleeds through each song, Co-Producer Danger Mouse lets Beck’s newly matured inner struggle sound poppy and ironic. The album is creatively crafted into an entire body of work that resonates with die hard Beck followers and Indie newbies that crave fresh dance sounds. Each song, so different from the other, belongs in a climatic moment of life; a nice change from the deep, dark lyric-driven albums and the funny satirical experimental albums that Beck brought in the past. It ranges in sound and explores the challenges social and internal struggle. The album is his obvious attempt to face the world, once and for all; a pleasant and aging Beck has certainly come full circle with Modern Guilt. It is a different, more mature Beck who really took the time to make a song for everyone.

What makes a soul of man? Apparently some funky party beats and a melodic voice.

Comments (2)

Nikkie
Posted on November 6, 2008 04:49 PM
Love your review, "new sound that ignites nostalgia" very detailed I am headed to buy this album and can't wait to get lost in it. Thanks Nikkie
skate or die
Posted on November 6, 2008 04:49 PM
great review. looking forward to more.

VIDEOS

    Added: 11/20/09
    Move over Tillman, there's a new skateboarding bulldog in town and this time he's taking on Tony Hawk!
    Added: 11/20/09
    MIKE COLACINO KILLING THE SOUTHBAY STREETS...
    Added: 11/16/09
    We are calling this season: The HOLLYWOOD Summit Shows "Battle Of The Summit" 12 City 1 Island.The HOLLYWOOD Summit Show's "BATTLE OF THE SUMMIT" is opening a door from the subculture skateboarding into the mainstream family lifestyle without changing its roots. Skateboarding started as a way to surf when there was none. As a sport, skateboarding attracts people from all walks of life and, as a sport, has embraced them... from grom to executive, it's always been about rippin'- not the clickin'. Morgan "HOLLYWOOD" Monroe has been skateboarding since 1973 and, over the years, also personally excelled in surfing, snowboarding, dirt/street bikes, and mountain biking. Always the innovator and risk taker, "HOLLYWOOD" has always seemed the right nickname for him... he always GOES BIG! His early love for films drove him to the industry, eventually moving him to Malibu in the 90's, acting and experiencing the many facets of the Hollywood film production industry. He remains an active member of the Screen Actor's Guild. Tom "The Ripper" Spano, co-host of the The HOLLYWOOD Summit Show's "BATTLE OF THE SUMMIT", is driven by his competitive nature. Tom "The Ripper" Spano has a long, versatile extreme sports history. Professionally snowboarding and mountain biking for years forged his will to excel. He also surfs, skateboards, wakeboards, plays volleyball and soccer, boats, and scuba dives. His energy, quick wit and infectious good nature are the perfect complement to the production. Tom "the Ripper" Spano also is an active actor. The "No Name Rippers" are out there, millions of them, only dreaming of someday having that chance to emerge. The HOLLYWOOD Summit Show's "BATTLE OF THE SUMMIT" gives them the platform to do just that. We have all watched both the extreme sports and reality-type shows gain in popularity. Morgan "HOLLYWOOD" Monroe has spent years developing a formula to fuse both extreme sports and a reality show into a proven experimental entertainment production, the first being completed May 18th, 2009 at Stirling Skatepark in sunny Dunedin, Florida. The HOLLYWOOD Summit Show's "BATTLE OF THE SUMMIT" lets the chips fall where they may, and in Dunedin, the chips fell in such a way that it shook the tradition of conventional contests. Three high energy commentators and an involved crowd, made for great performances, with contestants from 8 to 48. The trophies and prizes were big.The HOLLYWOOD Summit Show's "BATTLE OF THE SUMMIT" 12 City 1 Island 2010 Series' prizes will rival or exceed current professional events. Here's the hook: We pitt the placewinners of the three age divisions against each other... NO PROS ALLOWED. In the case of the Dunedin's "BATTLE OF THE SUMMIT", the first place winner was 11, second place was 10, and third went to a 14 year old girl. Scoring was a points system based on trick variety and level of difficulty...highest score won.The HOLLYWOOD Summit Show's "BATTLE OF THE SUMMIT" 12 City 1 Island 2010 Series is the breakout skateboard entertainment production beginning in late spring/summer. "HOLLYWOOD" has always supported industry specific charities. In Dunedin, Grind for Life and The Ian Tillman Foundation were the recipients. He also involves the local chambers of commerce and presents the mayors with a large trophy and plaque to display in the city hall. Vigorous co-operation was achieved from the Dunedin Mayor's office, who had previously recommended closure of the skatepark; Mayor Eggers saw firsthand the positive response of families and the value of having a safe and challenging skatepark for the community. Twelve top winners from the 12 skateboarding-rich metropolitan cities compete at the Hawaiian "Battle of the Summit". The reality format of hit shows such as American Idol, and So You Think You Can Dance have proven that the country loves to follow unknown, talented contestants as they achieve greatness. The HOLLYWOOD Summit Show's "BATTLE OF THE SUMMIT" 12 City 1 Island 2010 Series will "try out" the bevy of contestants in the same manner. So, what about the reality? When the Hollywood Summit Show rolls into a city near you, there will be no mistaking their presence. There will be a tour bus and support vehicles wrapped in the Hollywood Summit Show logo, as well as the various logos of all "Battle of the Summit" sponsors and supporters. Morgan "Hollywood" Monroe and Tom "the Ripper" Spano draw plenty of attention, ask anyone who has met them. A four month tour with Morgan "HOLLYWOOD" Monroe, Tom "the Ripper" Spano, cast, crew, bands, celebrity/ professional cameos and friends will present many opportunities for comedic entertainment. Fun and adventure/misadventure. The parties will consist of local locations, our house band, local live bands, local talent, and community spirit/ involvement. There will be "feel good" stories on all the competitors, especially those that continue on to Hawaii. The show will cover the athletes, their stories, families, local shops, team members, background on the local scenes/ hot spots. There will be professional skaters and Buttons Kaluhiokalani has agreed to play part in the Hawaiian segment of the show. He will take part in teaching the 12 winners to surf, and then Buttons and friends will judge them in a surf contest.Show Layout: The Battle of the Summit will consist of: 2-hour Season opener, television formatted episode. Eleven 1-hour television formatted episodes. 2-hour Battle of the Summit Finale television formatted episode
    Added: 11/15/09
    ILL STATE GRINDAHZ & KINGSIZE THE VET
    Added: 11/15/09
    Ghetto Skateboards' Tillman Hazelton killing it at The Ghetto Skate Facility in Zephyrhills Florida. Fall of 2009

PHOTO GALLERIES

Click Here