It can be difficult to classify Beck or his music into any particular genre or style and rightly so. Throughout his career he has constantly experimented and dabbled in whatever he chose, drawing upon numerous influences, including pop, funk, hip-hop, folk, blues, dance, r&b, indie, and rock, among others. And what has resulted is a career of wildly imaginative pop-culture synthesis. Beck is with out question one of the most creative and innovative artists to come out of the alternative rock movement of the 90s. Beck’s latest effort The Information is no exception. His creativity and ever changing style are immediately evident even in the cover itself, a blank canvas to self-design with an insert of various and unique decals. The Information even comes along

with a DVD including fun, seemingly low budget, and highly artistic videos for all tracks on the album.

The Information is what happens when an experimental artist perfects his trade. Always eclectic with his interpretation and blending of pop-culture, Beck has come up with arguably his best work to date. “One, two, you know what to do... and you’re off on a ride with the groove of the first track “Elevator Music.” The groove continues with “Think I’m In Love,” perhaps the most radio-friendly cut on the disc, which carries an infectious foot tapping rhythm. Next Beck melts his style of funk with a little electronica on “Cellphone’s Dead.” He switches gears again on “Strange Apparition,” a folky piano driven number. “Soldier Jane” is synthesizer heavy and carries harmonized overdubs of Beck’s voice. Possibly the strongest and most driving track on the album is “Nausea,” a frantic rhythm that includes beeps and noises that sound like they came straight from your favorite 80s arcade game. “New Round” provides a pleasant, light sounding break to the mix. The aptly named “Dark Star” enters with a murky funk groove, complimented by excellently placed orchestral strings and a surprising bit of harmonica. The robotic and repetitive rhythm of “We Dance Alone,” is followed by the organic acoustic guitar of the front-porchy “No Complaints.” “1000BPM” sounds industrial and driving, may not exactly have one thousand beats per minute, but certainly has a thousand different sounds coming at you. “Motorcade” can be hard to place with all of the noise and rhythms here, but Beck’s voice again pulls you through the song. It’s back to dark grooves and catchy vocals on the title track. “Movie Theme” comes in with a soothing ambience, and displays Beck’s trademark layers of sound. The final and longest track “The Horrible Fanfare/Landslide/Exoskeleton” closes The Information by taking you all over the place, all the while revisiting themes already introduced.

With The Information, Beck once again redefines his sound and style, while at the same time bringing everything that he’s previously done together. The album is heavy on both texture as well as song. The precise production by Nigel Godrich is flawless and definitely sharpens Beck’s genius. The Information is one to listen to straight through, from beginning to end, over and over. At the same time it has tracks worthy of inclusion in your daily mix. It’s one of those albums that will give something a little different each time it’s popped in the player, and on each set of ears it meets. Whether you’re new to Beck or an old friend, The Information makes a great addition to anyone’s collection.