Beck - The Information

In his essay on Christianity and literature, CS Lewis states that, as a Christian, the value of literature is not just in the craft, but in how it projects truth. If such Lewisonian principles were to be applies to an artist’s body of work, consistency would undoubtedly be a component in judging an artist’s merit over time. Truth is something that is unchanging and, if adhered to, gives one integrity. When an artist “sells out” we judge them as if they have compromised what they stood for, their integrity.

Think about it, how many conversations have taken place regarding the inconsistency of Martin Scorsese (“You actually liked Bringing Out The Dead?”) or the way Bob Dylan’s catalog took a serious nosedive in the 80’s and miraculously redeemed itself in the late 90’s? Rarely do artists produce quality with regularity. It is with this notion that Beck’s latest release, The Information, is another welcome album.

On The Information Beck is still the same Beck who released Odelay. After stylistic sojourns like Midnight Vultures and Seachange, Beck has returned to what he initially won our hearts with. Yes, this album bears similarities to Odelay and Guero, both musically and lyrically, but it is incredibly listenable, and, as per the Beck canon, groove worthy. He’s still expanding his sound, too, bit by bit. A plethora of auxiliary percussion is still present, but Beck’s began employing the old string section to complement his rhymes, to brooding and soothing effect.

While Guero saw songs like “Farewell Ride” and “Emergency Exit” that harkened back to Mellow Gold and “E-Pro” and “Hell Yes,” which evoked the guitar-riff sampling of Odelay, The Information expands on what Beck began hinting at on Guero with songs like “Girl” and “Scarecrow.” Heavy backbeats lathered with quirky trappings give way to sing-able choruses. The claustrophobic grind of “Devil’s Haircut” and “E-Pro” aren’t on this album. The closest he comes is on the aforementioned “Nausea,” and even that song gives way to an airy chorus.

Some may complain that Beck still sounds too much like Beck, but they’ll be missing the bigger picture. It would be like complaining that Michaelangelo focused on subjects from the Bible too much. The Information is instantly accessible and offers meat for subsequent listening. Beck does what he does, and he does it well. Beck’s transformation has been a pleasing one to witness, and rarely is an audience so well rewarded for following an artist for the length of time Beck has been around.