Beck takes his musical edge to a new height with his latest album Modern Guilt. Teaming up with influential and acclaimed hip-hop producer, Danger Mouse, Beck continues to depart from his previous, largely acoustic albums, Mutations and Sea Change, into the genre of digitally composed instrumentals.

     Though this change is a far cry from Beck’s most popular album, Odelay, his solid vocals remain similar and the strikingly significant lyrics comment on today’s modern soulless society.

     Chan Marshall, otherwise known as Cat Power, joins Beck on the first track, “Orphans,” which combines their distinct voices over a funky electric drum track. The first single off the album Chemtrails, is an eerie composition, reminiscent of Radiohead’s song “House of Cards” from their own most recent release, In Rainbows. A sample of the lyrics show the mood of this track: “Down by the sea/so many people/falling in ... down by the sea/swallowed by evil ... You and me/watching the sea/full of people/already drowned/so many people/so/many/people.”

     Though this may strike you as slightly disturbing – in the manner of, say, Slipknot—Beck’s approach to this difficult subject shows a mastery over the strange and paranormal, and comments on the lifelessness of the modern man and his aimless pursuits.

     The second single from the album is an exhilarating song, and by now, already a hit in international dance halls. Though it has a more universal appeal, “Gamma Ray” does not shy away from the difficult topics of today such as global warming, a symbiotic dependence on technology, and, most importantly, dancing gamma rays in hurricanes (particularly during the fall season).

     Walls, the sixth track, is a melting pot of old horn and drum samples, with possibly the best vocal chorus on the entire project. Overall this track summarizes the positive influence that critically acclaimed producer Danger Mouse has had on the time-tested artist’s abilities.

     Beck is obviously displeased with the direction of the modern world, as is clear from the title and themes of the tracks on the album. In the humble opinion of the writers of this article, Beck has recorded a cry for help from the bowels of Scientology (of which he has been a long standing member).  It is Christendom’s duty to answer his desperate plea with an apologetic letter-writing campaign. For all you budding and skeptical apologists, please move your eyes forward to our short, convincing “Dialogue with a Skeptic.”

Beginning of Dialogue
Skeptic: “This is a very stupid idea to write to Beck!  What could possibly be accomplished by such an undertaking?”

Beck Reviewers: “Do not be so silly, the benefits are a hundred-fold, but for the sake of brevity, we shall name two. The first is the conversion of Beck’s soul, which is a very good soul. The second is that Beck would most definitely offer us free weekly concerts in the Café in return for his eternal salvation.”
End of Dialogue  

    Now if this dialogue was unconvincing, please consider the happiness of Kaylie, who would benefit greatly from the increased sale of fancy lattes that musicians often request.

     In conclusion, we highly recommend Modern Guilt to any who dare to be overwhelmed by Beck’s musical genius and creativity. This album is a tribute to an already prolific musician and a fantastic addition to any musical library.