Record Boy Ink:

Here’s what I like about Beck: He is a crack-up!

On Midnite Vultures, Beck discovers his inner Prince. “Peaches and Cream”, “Debra”, ”Get Real Paid” and “Hollywood Freaks” sonically recall the Artist formerly blah blah blah. The lyrics to Beck’s songs however, are what separates a true artist from a former one.

Beck’s lyrics are often nothing more than stream of consciousness ramblings. However, Beck’s ramblings are often either provocative or downright hilarious. Anybody that rhymes “Crazy”, “Lazy”, “Israeli” and “Gravy” has got it goin’ on in Record Boy’s world!

Here are some sample Beck lyrics on Midnite Vultures:

“Peaches and Cream - you make a garbage man scream”

“I’ll do your laundry- massage your soul -I’ll turn you over to the highway patrol”

“Touch my ass if you’re qualified”

“Tell me, what’s your zip code baby-did you ever let a cowboy sit on your lap?”

“Like a fruit that’s ripe for the pickin’-I wouldn’t do you like that- Zankou Chicken”

That last quote is from the track “Debra” where the protagonist pleads his passion for a sales clerk at J.C. Penny (and her sister, who he thinks is named Debra). He offers to take her in his Hyundai for a good meal in Glendale (CA). Thus the obscure reference to Glendale’s Armenian chicken joint-Zankou Chicken.

All the usual Beck cohorts appear on this record, the great guitarist Smokey Hormel and the Dust Brothers to name a few. Timing in at a little over 50 minutes, Beck earns Record Boy’s respect. Too many recording artists these days feel that because a CD can hold 78 minutes of music that they have to fill it all up. Remember in the old days that LPs only held about 22 minutes a side and most of us have an even shorter attention span now!

Beck is truly a gifted lad who deserves the support of the music buying public as a matter of principal. How many artists not only throw down funky fresh beats, but also make you smile while you’re bobbin’ your head? Who said music can’t be fun? Midnite Vultures offers you a delightful listening experience. And you know that can’t be bad!