... Sea Change, is a very chilled out, melodic album, where Beck seems to be doing a bit of self reflection. The lyrics are, whilst being very cleaver, seem slightly depressing.
"It's a treacherous road
With a desolated view
There's distant lights
But here they're far and few
And the sun ... Read review
Beck is really bummed. And if song titles such as "Lost Cause", "Lonesome Tears", "Already ... more
Dead" and "Nothing I Haven't Seen" don't make the point, his achingly sad lyrics andSea Change's unerringly downcast sound do. While 1998'sMutations--arguably th...
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Beck is really bummed. And if song titles such as "Lost Cause", "Lonesome Tears", "Already ... more
Dead" and "Nothing I Haven't Seen" don't make the point, his achingly sad lyrics and Sea Change's unerringly downcast sound do. While 1998's Mutations--arguably ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Beck is really bummed. And if song titles such as "Lost Cause", "Lonesome Tears", "Already ... more
Dead" and "Nothing I Haven't Seen" don't make the point, his achingly sad lyrics and Sea Change's unerringly downcast sound do. While 1998's Mutations--arguably the singer-songwriter's masterwork and Sea Change's spiritual cousin--was filled with unflinching self-examination, moments of levity were found in songs like "Tropicalia". Not so on Sea Change. Beck's woozy, almost narcoleptic delivery seems to amplify the set's sense of ennui. But sad isn't necessarily bad, and despite the sombre tone, there's much to praise, not the least of which is the return of producer Nigel Godrich (Mutations, Radiohead) who wraps Beck's gloom in a dreamy, warm blanket of soft strings and floating bleeps and gurgles. Like Daniel Lanois, Godrich is all about vibe, and even Beck's most bare-bones songs benefit from billowy atmospherics. That's especially true of "Paper Tiger" a restless, slowly building epic improbably propelled by a languid orchestra and Beck's expressionless drone. The inky black feel of "Round the Bend"--a glacially slow dirge with muffled vocals--may be the darkest thing Beck's ever written, not counting the very grim "Already Dead". Whatever's going on in Beck's world, at least we know he's purging. All things considered, this may be better for his soul than ours. --Kim Hughes
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Beck is really bummed. And if song titles such as "Lost Cause", "Lonesome Tears", "Already ... more
Dead" and "Nothing I Haven't Seen" don't make the point, his achingly sad lyrics andSea Change's unerringly downcast sound do. While 1998'sMutations--arguably the singer-songwriter's masterwork andSea Change's spiritual cousin--was filled with unflinching self-examination, moments of levity were found in songs like "Tropicalia". Not so onSea Change. Beck's woozy, almost narcoleptic delivery seems to amplify the set's sense of ennui.But sad isn't necessarily bad, and despite the sombre tone, there's much to praise, not the least of which is the return of producer Nigel Godrich (Mutations, Radiohead) who wraps Beck's gloom in a dreamy, warm blanket of soft strings and floating bleeps and gurgles. LikeDaniel Lanois, Godrich is all about vibe, and even Beck's most bare-bones songs benefit from billowy atmospherics. That's especially true of "Paper Tiger" a restless, slowly building epic improbably propelled by a languid orchestra and Beck's expressionless drone. The inky black feel of "Round the Bend"--a glacially slow dirge with muffled vocals--may be the darkest thing Beck's ever written, not counting the very grim "Already Dead".Whatever's going on in Beck's world, at least we know he's purging. All things considered, this may be better for his soul than ours.--Kim Hughes
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Advantages: Chilled out almost accoustic album with the excellent lyrical content you'd expect from Beck Disadvantages: Might not be what you were expected (although i wouldn't call this a disadvantage)
...from.
However. Sea Change, is a very chilled out, melodic album, where Beck seems to be doing a bit of self reflection. The lyrics are, whilst being very cleaver, seem slightly depressing.
"It's a treacherous road
With a desolated view
There's distant lights
But here they're far and few
And the sun don't shine
Even when its day"
But at the same time it is a ... ...it and gives you the feel of a lazy summer afternoon. I would not say this is Beck’s best album as they are all so different from each other, depicting various stages of his life. It is just another chapter in his life and I’m sure there will be many more to come!
1. The Golden Age - If you are a fan of Beck’s previous albums ... more
First of all I would have to disagree with reviews that this album is reverting back to the style of Mutations. I think this is confused with the fact that this album is so different from Beck’s other albums that they are trying to find a link and as the music is slower and heavy on the acoustic guitar I can see where they are coming from.
However. Sea Change, is a very chilled out, melodic album, where Beck seems to be doing a bit of self reflection. The lyrics are, whilst being very cleaver, seem slightly depressing.
"It's a treacherous road With a desolated view There's distant lights But here they're far and few And the sun don't shine Even when its day"
But at the same time it is a brilliant album which has a relaxing tone and feel to it and gives you the feel of a lazy summer afternoon. I would not say this is Beck’s best album as they are all so different from each other, depicting various stages of his life. It is just another chapter in his life and I’m sure there will be many more to come!
1. The Golden Age - If you are a fan of Beck’s previous albums this song will be the biggest shock of all, starting of as slow and as acoustic as the rest of the album, it sets the perfect mood. With a slightly depressing lyrical content and a slow melodic drum beat in the back ground. Its a beautiful track, where he sings about something being just too far out of reach that you give up trying for it.
2. Paper Tiger - This track is slightly more upbeat than the last with the use of electric and bass guitars and violins. A bizarre combination you might say but they help to set the mood to the song in a perfect way. It is a lovely bluesy song that deals with both his fragility and strength at the same time.
3. Guess I’m Doing Fine - Another song that makes use of that acoustic guitar, as well as a piano. Beck certainly has a good knowledge of his musical instruments and sets the mood right every time. This song is Beck’s reflection on a relationship that has ended "its only tears that I’m crying, its only you that I’m loosing, guess I’m doing fine"
4. Lonesome Tears - Contains what i would consider, the deepest lyrical content on the entire album, asking why love makes you feel so lonely that on one hand it matters so much and it is all you can think about but also not matter at all, along with the rhythm and Beck’s soulful singing, which makes this song haunting and strong.
5. Lost Cause - As far as I know this was Beck’s only U.K. single release. This song is slightly more upbeat than most of the other songs on the album and I love the peculiar noises that are used... almost like words being played backwards. The song is about ending a relationship after struggling to make it work for a long time "I’m tired of fighting, fighting for a lost cause". This is another absolutely beautiful song.
6. End of The Day - Is about the break down of a relationship. He sings about how much it hurts even though its nothing new to him, it hurts as much as it did the first time. Lyrically it is brilliant although I am not a fan of music used, as to me, it doesn’t seem to gel together correctly. But this is probably just me.
7. All In You Mind - Beck sings about someone who is almost like a hermit, hidden away and scared of the world. All Beck wants to be is "a good friend", but because this person thinks that the world is a scary place and surrounds them self with scared people, doesn't accept Beck’s invitation.
8. Round The Bend - Starts off beautifully with violins being played slowly and softly, light guitar strumming which gives it a real atmosphere of wind...Despite the soft feel this gives the song itself is in fact pretty deep. He is saying that by letting go of all your inhibitions and enjoy the moment for what it is. It almost feel like you are escaping to your own world with the music... floating through the air, forgetting all your troubles and "enjoy the moment".
9. Already Dead - on my first few listens to this song i was convinced it was a really depressing song about watching someone die. But after a while i began to see it in a different light and took the meaning to be that it was not death but creating something good from the end of something bad.
10. Sunday Sun - is another slightly more upbeat track than the others. This song is very different from the rest of the album. It uses the distortion of Beck’s voice and a lot of random noises. This is my least favorite song on this album, just because it sounds so disjointed and... well odd really. The story behind it is looking towards the next stage of your life and not dwelling in the past.
11. Little One - sounds like a lullaby that you could sing to a child. It encourages you to forget about all the fears in your life and just dream about of the perfect life that you can have. Contains some very passionate piano playing at the end which sounds amazing.
12. Side Of The Road - is the end of the emotional journey that is 'Beck’s - "Sea Change"'. It seems that it starts of from the depths of despair to looking at the positive things in life and looking forward rather than to the past.
This truly is a beautiful album and one that really got to my emotions. Beck has always been one of my favorite artists and really knows how to creating amazing, soulful and intelligent songs. I would totally recommend him (and in particular this album) to anyone who needs some chill out music/ comfort music or just fancies listening to a brilliant musical story of an emotional part of someone’s life
Advantages: The Golden Age Disadvantages: Side Of The Road
This is the fifth major label album by LA-born musical magpie and icon, Beck Hansen. Hot on the heels of 1999's Prince like funk 'Midnite Vultures', produced by Radiohead knob twiddler Nigel Godrich. This follows on where 'Mutations' left off. The soft simplicity broods across what has been billed his "break-up album", with the emotion left wide open. Lyrically more direct than he usually is, but still as inventive with his word play.
1. The Golden ... ...melodies and lyrics with a slight Gram Parsons influence. 9/10
2. Paper Tiger
Swooping bollywood strings over electric guitar and eastern percussion. Again beautiful melodies and lyrics with his voice sounding richer than ever. 9/10
3. Guess I'm Doin' Fine
This track finds a lonesome Beck crooning over slide guitar and Nigel Goldrich's weird sound fx. Again the Gram Parson influence wears well. Fantastic. 9/10
4. Lonesome Tears
The lush string ...
malenkylitso 21.11.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sea Change - Beck
Advantages: Completely original - along the lines of Mutations Disadvantages: Not for fans of Odelay or Midnite Vultures
...albums ever made…..until I got Sea Change.
Everything about this album both draws on and expands the experimentation of Mutations, whilst making it a more user friendly experience. A lot of the unnecessary twiddling is done away with, or merely shoved into the background to make for some unnerving walks whilst wearing your walkman. ‘Little One’ is a great example of this. First time you hear it, it’s a pleasing pretty tune, but listen to it on headphones ... ...the strange haunting voices weaving their way through the backdrop of plicky guitars.
Whilst Beck has never been known for his fantastic singing voice, there’s something ‘right’ about the laziness with which he throws the lyrics around on this album which sometimes doesn’t fit on the more dance-inspired stuff he does. Coupled with simple acoustic guitars, it could be just like any other folk/country/blues album – but with Nigel Godrich’s lush production, ...
pesky33 15.03.2004 (28.05.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sea Change - Beck
Advantages: Beck is a genius! Disadvantages: For fans of Midnite Vultures this may disappoint.
Sea Change is the latest album from the legend that is Beck Hansen. This man, as well as being absolutely gorgeous (hmm..just me then?) is a musical genius and everyone should listen to him. Even if you don't like Beck, at least one song in his vast repertoire will appeal.
Anyway, Sea Change. If the Prince-like 80's sound of Midnite Vultures is what makes Beck appeal to you, then you may be disappointed with this album. If you stand with many other ... ...will also be disappointed with Sea Change. It follows on from where Mutations left off. A folksy, bluesy, disillusioned-with-the-world style, although a little less melancholy and suicidal! I think the man is amazing, especially live. If you like a little bit of the obscure and strange, then Sea Change might just be what you're looking for. However, if you tend to reject the unfamiliar, then stay well away. ...
PetiteLibertine 22.07.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sea Change - Beck
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
How does it compare to ...
Value for Money
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Reviews which might be of interest for "Sea Change - Beck"
Advantages: 6 BECK VIDEOS (1 BY SPIKE JONZE) Disadvantages: DVD AUDIO ONLY PLAYS THROUGH A DVD PLAYER, SO NO ALBUM PLAYING ON STEREO
I'm a huge Beck fan and despite not over enjoying certain tracks here and there, SeaChange is still an all time favourite.
SeaChange (produced by Nigel Godrich), originally released on 4 different CDs, with just the covers differing and none of them giving you the lyrics in a less annoying and difficult to read style, is still one of my favourite albums.
This DVD-A, despite including the videos, isn't a whole world different. But for suckers like me, who not only bought the 4 CDs and a promo version of the album, just had to have these pleasingly amateur-esque videos.
If ever anybody poured their heart out on an album like Beck does here, please let me know. Trent Reznor didn't do bad on Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails. (Entirely different bag though!).
STANDOUT TRACKS*.
Opening with The Golden Age* preparing you somewhat ...
Advantages: great songs, great voice Disadvantages: could get stale quickly?
interesting is it? Ah ha, but we haven?t talked about keyboardist Tim Rice-Oxley yet, who surely must be responsible for nearly making me crash the car. I haven?t heard an album with so many odd background noises since ?SeaChange? by Beck. The best example of this is the chorus of ?Your Eyes Open?, which, for some reason known only to Keane, includes a twittering chorus of birds.
It seems Keane straddle some divide between pop, indie, acoustic, and goodness knows what you?d call those keyboards. They provide a more ?experimental? edge for people who thought Travis were too bland, a ?poppier? edge for people who can?t stand Phillip Glass (for want of a better example ? suggestions on a postcard please). I personally think they?ve got a good future ahead of them, providing they continue to occupy this middle ground they seem so comfortable in. I ...
Advantages: a nice addition to a Beck collection, couple of good tracks Disadvantages: most of it is pretty poor, only for big fans
If you?ve read my other Beck reviews*, you?ll be aware of my love and respect for Beck Hansen; the young American maverick has rather stolen my heart with his blend of blues, folk, occasional dance beats, and general gorgeousity.
Imagine my excitement when I saw this import album being reviewed in an issue of Q. Saying something along the lines of ?where the inspiration for Mutations and SeaChange came from? I thought it was dead cert for being my latest favourite Beck album.
The back of the CD case proclaims ?Recorded Oct 93 and Jan 94? (when I was still at school), it?s the earliest Beck recordings you can own on CD. However it also says ?Recorded by Calvin?; if the production is anything to go by presumably this should read ?Recorded by Calvin?. In his bedroom??? using his mum?s tape player from the kitchen??..with assurance ...
Personnel includes: Beck (vocals, acoustic guitar & electric guitars, banjo, keyboards, synthesizer, glockenspiel, percussion); Smokey Hormel (electric guitar, acoustic slide guitar, bamboo saxophone, piano); Jason Faulkner (electric guitar); Roger Mannning (banjo, Indian banjo, Wurlitzer piano, harmonium, clavinet, syntesizer, glockenspiel, percussion, background vocals); Nigel Godrich (keyboards, percussion); Justin Meldal-Johnsen (electric bass, upright bass, percussion, background vocals); Joey Waronker (drums, percussion); James Gadson (drums). SEA CHANGE was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album. Though 1998's MUTATIONS was the closest Beck had come at the time to conventional (read: non-ironic) troubadourisms, he quickly declared the album a detour and swiftly followed it up with the Prince-influenced about-face of MIDNITE VULTURES. It comes as something of a surprise, then, that he should focus his subsequent efforts on an unprecedentedly earnest singer-songwriter album like SEA CHANGE, which finds him purposefully peeling away his multiple levels of irony. Trumpeted in the press as a post-breakup album, SEA CHANGE has been called Beck's BLOOD ON THE TRACKS, and it's true that he'd never been anywhere near this emotionally naked before. Sonically, he seems to have (at least momentarily) laid aside his R&B/hip-hop aspirations in pursuit of a late-'60s/early-'70s folk-rock aesthetic. Several cuts have a lazy, Gram Parsons-like country-rock tinge. On "Round the Bend," he delivers a moody, string-swathed lament obviously modeled on Nick Drake's "River Man." While some might lament the departure of the word-spinning wiseguy, SEA CHANGE still seems an inevitable and important step in Beck's artistic maturation.
Album Reviews
Rolling Stone (12/26/02, p.103) - Included in Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2002" Spin (1/03, p.70) - Ranked #3 on Spin's list of 2002's "Albums of the Year" Q (12/02, p.65) - Included in Q Magazine's "50 Best Albums of 2002" Mojo (1/03, p.73) - Ranked #7 in Mojo's "Best Albums of 2002" Uncut (1/03, p.94) - Ranked #8 in Uncut's "100 Best Albums of the Year" - "...SEA CHANGE is Beck's BLOOD ON THE TRACKS..." CMJ (12/30/02, p.10) - Ranked #3 on CMJ's "Top 10 of 2002" Rolling Stone (10/3/02, pp.97-9) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...A perfect treasure of soft, spangled woe sung with a heavy open heart. It's the best album Beck has ever made....This is his BLOOD ON THE TRACKS." Spin (10/02, p.111) - 9 out of 10 - "...A supremely dainty-assed achievement that jerks real tears..." Q (10/02, pp.98-9) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Very nearly a very great album....brooding atmospherics, reflective acoustic settings, a desert road movie conducted at a snail's place..." Vibe (11/02, p.154) - "...Steeped in gorgeous, tear-stained country ballads..." Mojo (10/02, p.90) - "...There's no trickery here, only transformation..." NME (9/21/02, p.38) - 6 out of 10 - "...A rainy afternoon album--quietly affecting, occasionally sublime..." Entertainment Weekly (9/27/02, p.85) - "...A beautiful mournful hymn of love won and lost....For the first time, Beck is playing himself..." - Rating: B+ The Wire (10/02, p.51) - "...The mood is muted, constant, studiously introverted..." CMJ (10/7/02), p.6) - "...Truly soulful songs....this record is really a spotlight on a man and his guitar....there is a beauty inherent in sadness. Beck is quite clearly intimately familiar with it..."
Titles on disc 1
1.
Golden Age
2.
Paper Tiger
3.
Guess I'm Doing Fine
4.
Lonesome Tears
5.
Lost Cause
6.
End Of The Day
7.
It's All In Your Mind
8.
Round The Bend
9.
Already Dead
10.
Sunday Sun
11.
Little One
12.
Side Of The Road
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