Message: 2 From: "Crowmeat Bob" <crowmeat@hotmail.com> To: zorn-list@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: becking lips Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 12:27:37 -0500 I've heard that the Flaming Lips were acting as a back-up band for Beck, but the one first-hand account I got was less than complimentary. My friend who saw them is always somewhat oblique about why he dislikes something, but he was undergoing some sort of Beck listening boycott when I saw him last. Of course, he changed his tune when he heard the CD I'd put together of Beck rarities which rivalled the one I had obtained from him previously. (including landmarks like "Death is Coming to Get Me" and his cover of "Devil Got My Woman") But I digress. I thought the idea of the 'Lips backing Beck sounded like it had great potential. They're an eminent psychedelic 'pop' band with lavish production techniques and can get a powerful mood sunk into your bones if you give them half a chance. But I guess it all depends on how well th ey mesh with Mr Hansen. np: Ground Zero - Standards (purchased new, by jiminy)
In theory, it was an inspired idea. A Lips show, Beck solo and then the Lips backing up Beck. I caught one of the New York shows and it was fun indeed. The Lips esp. know how to put on a memorable show (ridiculous close-up's of singer Wayne projected on a screen, bunny rabbit people shining flashlights all over the place, etc.). Maybe it's because I'm not thrilled with Beck's latest that I wasn't bowled over by his solo set but when the Lips joined him to do some of his oldies, he proved what a good (occ. hammy but lovable) entertainer he is. By the way, that Ground Zero record is an absolute classic. "Those Were the Days" indeed! Best, Jason -- Perfect Sound Forever online music magazine with warped perspectives perfect-sound@furious.com http://www.perfectsoundforever.com
Maybe it's because I'm not thrilled with Beck's latest that I wasn't bowled over by his solo set but when the Lips joined him to do some of his oldies, he proved what a good (occ. hammy but lovable) entertainer he is.
What in particular doesn't thrill you about his most recent? It's a departure for sure, but I think it shows his breadth as an artist. He taps into some real emotion and puts it out there; this is something that I almost always respect in a musician. I initially didn't like it, but now it stands up to or surpasses his previous work. My two cents... Zach
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
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)<<<
I don't find any of Beck's music interesting. Even when he is not straightforward, he's derivative. Sea Change is just gorgeous songs with gorgeous singing. Not adventurous in the least. The live performance last night in Santa Barbara was one huge party. At times a pathos party, but a party nonetheless. I wouldn't want to spend much time listening to Flaming Lips recordings, but they are a great party band. The show was a satisfying blend of lonesome folk/blues crooning and quirky kickass genre-jumping whiteboy jive. Great fun. Interesting music? Nope.
participants (4)
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Perfect Sound Forever -
sooooo spicy -
s~Z -
Zachary Steiner