A few minutes ago I began writing a blog post about 5 songs I love right now. I struggled to choose. There are SO MANY artists and songs I want to gush about.
Whilst trying to pick 5 killer songs, I of course considered Beck's "Debra." I revisited an incredible live performance of this song on Youtube, and it all became clear. I am not going to write about just any 5 songs today.
It is my sacred duty to make you, yes you, just an avid Beck fan as I.
Swagger, grit, falsetto, funk. Beck owns it all. And I don't mean "owns" as in he simply possesses them. He OWNS them.
SWAGGER. Beck transcends all bounds of swagger. Yeah, I didn't know swagger had bounds either. It does. Beck's swagger is on a unique plane from all other swagger. You'll see what I mean.GRIT. He infuses his funk with grit. The result? An edgy, whimsical masterpiece that will blow your mind.
As demonstrated with his gritty funk, Beck's style incorporates a wide range of musical influences (folk, electronic, hip hop, funk, rock, blues-- to name a few). And as Gestalt's theory goes-- the whole is much, much greater than the sum of the parts.
FALSETTO. Oh my goodness his falsetto. It speaks for itself. I have no words to describe.
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1.LOSER (1994)
You've surely heard this one. But here are a few things you might not know about it:
-Beck has always created experimental music, but before this track, folk was his home base.
-Beck worked with a hip-hop record producer to create this.
-This song was simply an experiment; Beck considered it mediocre and did not wish to release it.
-A friend insisted Beck release it, so he did. "Loser" hit the radio and became his instant breakthrough single.
-Major music labels fought like wolves for him.
2.WHERE IT'S AT (1997)
I'll show you another of Beck's milder pieces. I believe Beck can appeal to a wide audience, depending on which song you're listening to. I'd wager that this song has wide appeal.
This song introduces you to some key elements of Beck's style: simple melodies, large variety of instruments, repetition, gritty texture, both spoken word and singing, and retro vibes beautifully blended with electronic influence. All hail Beck, king of sampling.
3.GET REAL PAID (1999)
Most of the time when I show this song to friends, they question my sanity. I'm OK with that.
"Get Real Paid" appeals to more of a niche audience. An audience which I am certainly included in. I freakin' love this musical style. Beck's album Midnite Vultures (which this song is on) did not gather a large following.
It's not a bad thing to have a niche audience as an artist. It's actually imperative. You're doing something wrong if EVERYBODY likes what you're creating.
I respect an artist who does what they want, without feeling compelled to defend or reshape it at the first, second or third voice of disapproval. Beck knows what he's doing!
4.E-PRO (2005)
E-Pro is found on Beck's album "Guero." Ironically enough, Beck and his producers went to great measures to give this album a laid-back lo-fi sound and feel.
Another song I love from this album is "Go It Alone." Both E-Pro and Go It Alone move forward with mysterious momentum. They feel like water boiling, heating, swelling, but never quite spilling over.
5.DEBRA (1999)
In my opinion, this song is Beck's ultimate masterpiece.
LYRICS. Beck recites his hilarious tongue-in-cheek lyrics with the utmost seriousness and quirky romantic swagger.
STYLE. Here, psychedelic funk, big band sound, R&B and soul combine to create something truly unique.
FALSETTO. Can we just talk about that for a minute. He's incredible. No matter how strange you find Beck, there is no denying that his talent is endless as you hear his falsetto soar.
The album version of this song has about 2% more polished vocals, but this live performance has so much character. You must watch it.
