I initially didn't like it, but now it stands up to or surpasses his previous work.<<<
I think it is beautiful from start to finish.
i'm not surprised it's recieving such mixed reviews (a lot of people i know are pretty displeased with it, people here seem to dig it) because it's very different than even his past depressing personal tunes like jackass, nobody's fault but my own etc... when i first heard it i was shocked and sad because i have a ton of respect for beck as a pop musician... i think he tastefully blends so many weird sounds, beats, and melodies so beautifully yet remains very accessible. this album lacks a lot of the wackiness, freedom, and ambience of his previous records. the production, song writing, instrumentation is all way more straight forward (although still very good... just not as interesting) THEN, after seeing him live (first time around, all acoustic with just him and smokey) and giving it more of a chance i grew to like it. still... i haven't popped it in my cd player for 2 months or so. maybe i truly don't find it as good as his other stuff? i guess i'm still not sure what i think about it. i'm wavey. mutations is still my fave. there's my 2 cents, soooooo np: tom ze (luaka bop comp) __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com