Thanks for taking the time to type that out. That sounds interesting. I wonder how Beck’s Scientology plays out, if at all, in his music? Maybe I’ll check out more of his lyrics, but I still don’t care for his aesthetic and music itself too much.

Nate!

Yeah, whenever somebody ‘says’ something in the middle of a song that is mostly sung, that really irritates me. I think the only person that I will allow that for is Johnny Cash who did that occasionally. Spoken word stuff, is different though. I love the new Saul Williams album, but about half the reason I love it is because Trent Reznor did the music :)

And totally, I thought of you when I chose the Mr. Yuck sticker! :)

Peace,

Eric

I’d add Jack Johnson. Maybe I’ve been away from laid back OB too long, but has the guy ever played a different guitar riff? daaaa dada da da dada. C’mon, you know what I’m talking about.

Here’s sample paragraph:

“While many songwriters make their living by taking everyday sayings and copying them directly into the chorus of a radio single, Beck invents his own sayings (loosely composed on old ones) appropriate to the madness of the age. He will use any means at his disposal to name, mock, and rearrange the dissembling spirits of our day and render them ridiculous by giving the forces of darkness such titles as ‘stereopathetic soul manure” and “a bozo nightmare.” His lyrics reflect a perpetual apprehension that refuses to be paralyzed or silence and, instead, employs mockery and outlandish imagery as a form of hopeful protest. On the anthems of Mellow Gold, the part summons of Odelay, the haunted world of Mutations, and the mad, comic nightmare of Midnite Vultures, we’re persuaded to look twice at our own troubled, groaning terrain. In a world of media saturation that transforms human affection into something groping and soulless, Beck’s swiftly evolving metaphors refuse submission to the manipulative orchestrations of a death-dealing culture and form an overall pattern of alternative clarity and mindfulness against disharmony and fear” (99).

I might summarize Dark’s take on Beck as one who stands with the “powers of the air” on their side of the line and names them/exposes them/subverts them. And Dark does quote Ephesians 2:2 at this point. He says that Beck offers another/new/fresh perspective on the way things are. Anyways, Dark sort of moves in and out of all of Beck’s albums and talks about apocalyptic themes. If your interested in more of Darks stuff check out this website. http://www.everydayapocalypse.org.

Peace,
Scott

Also, I would suggest The Strokes for this list. I even bought their last album without previously listening to a single song, thinking this would motivate me to listen to it enough to start liking it. Sadly, this was not the case and I ended up trading it in for…The Beastie Boys.

Tell me more about David Dark. I’ve never heard of him or that book.

Lee,

Actually, part of the impetus for this post was to elicit reactions like yours for further recommendations. I will see if I can find that and give it a shot, so thanks! :)

Otherwise I’m generally with you on this list.