Amazon.co.uk Review
If theres one thing thats proved consistent about Beck Hansen, its that every fresh record will be a curveball, and so it is with
Modern Guilt. If 2006s
The Information felt like a return to familiar
Odelay territory, a gleaming beats-and-raps record with an eerie futuristic twist perhaps inspired by its makers interest in Scientology, its follow-up feels like a step out again into uncharted territory. Recorded with the help of hip-hop beat-maker turned multi-talented producer Brian Danger Mouse Burton,
Modern Guilt is a foggy, sometimes distant-sounding affair apparently inspired by canyon-dwelling psychedelic rock, conspiracy theories, and end-of-the-world angst. "You and me hit by a test of white evil/Watching the jet planes go by", he strains, urgently, on "Chemtrails", eyes fixed to the sky. "Orphans" and "Walls", two songs recorded with Cat Powers Chan Marshall feel like a bit of a missed opportunity, Chans vocals pushed too far back in the mix. But Danger Mouses beats are a delight, giving what could be quite morose numbers like "Gamma Ray" a skippy, vintage beat group feel. All in all, its not Beck at his most engaging or playful, but theres a thoughtful, mature quality to
Modern Guilt that you dont find when hes playing postmodern prankster, and its got much to recommend it.
--Louis Pattison
CD Description
The pop chameleon Beck returns for a tenth studio LP, this time produced under the watchful eye of the prolific Dangermouse. Ever the contrarian, Beck's evolving sound here pays homage to British beat groups of the 1960s, especially on cuts like 'Beggars Shoes' and the title track itself. In keeping with this more economical sound and approach, the album itself is notably shorter than previous Beck efforts, barely scraping over the half-hour mark. 'Modern Guilt' also benefits from the contribution of Cat Power on backing vocals on several songs.