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Review by Rinkrat May 18, 2003 (10 of 10 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
I just got an SACD player and have been picking up a few discs including this one, I've had a few hits and more misses. I like the Stones remasters and of coutse Pink Floyd DSOTM, but I have to admit, THIS is my favorite disc so far. On first listening I could hardly believe it was Beck. There is no rap or even commercial tunes. it is one of the most laid back crosses between folk and country that you'll ever hear. What makes it so great is the multi-channel production. The strings are lavish and the synth noises add a quirkiness that brings it all together. The songs are well written and they worm their way into your skull by about the third listening.
I've found some great remasters of old CD's on SACD and I've found some new music that I can tolerate only because it's an SACD, but this is the first SACD that I've found that is impressive new music AND has incredible sound. In fact it's the perfect one to show off what it's all about.
Discs like this one are the reason why I bought the player. I hope there are more out there.
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Review by Beck June 18, 2005 (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (S/MC): / |
I simply had to add my two cents worth: I had never heard of this album but enjoy several others by Beck (hence my Moniker). I bought this for the sonics after reading reviews, expecting it to be a good disc to go shopping for speakers with...well was I surprised!. This has become a favourite in a hurry. I liked it so much I also bought the DVD-Audio version just to compare the two formats. Differences are subtle, but I thoroughly enjoyed both (and the videos on the DVD edition)
This album is an artist masterpiece: honest, heartfelt, beautifully produced and masterfully written. I was so used to thinking of Beck as an electronic artist and after this album, I simply think of him as a brilliant artists...period.
What else can I say? Every one I've played this album to, who's had a few minutes to seriously listen to it has enjoyed it. This came from being far off my radar to a top 10 disc after a few listens.
Highly recommended for content and the sonics are unsurpassed for a recording in this genre.
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Review by analogue March 3, 2009 (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (S): |
Several years ago I would not have believed that this album was as terrific as it is.I would never have bought this kind of music.
Apparently Beck strayed away from his usual style and tried something new. That "something new" makes for a very terrific album.
For one it is highly atmospheric almost moody at times. It still holds it's pop oriented roots to be sure but it is much more mature and adult friendly. That's probably why songs from this compilation are rarely heard on the radio.
The sound quality is shockingly good. It's easy to imagine this being a low rez sacd transfer that is excessively loud and horribly bright. But this has spectacular sound. It was recorded on magnetic tape with very good skill behind the scenes. Some music lovers say that this is an audiophile rock album. I won't argue cause it sounds terrific.
It's very warm, powerful and dynamic, rich in sound scapes and a wide sound stage for a rock album. You really feel the music on this sacd. Beck's voice is realistic and stands out with a sort of melancholy charm.
This album contains mostly slow tracks that are rich in guitar and keyboards. It can have a subtle country feel to some songs but the undercurrent of the entire album is always this atmospheric layering of dense mood. This is very much a night time rock album if you catch my meaning. Especially if you are driving.
The mood and sound of this sacd overtakes you. You just have to like the mood.
Highly recommended. This is a very excellent album.
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