

Beck David Hansen (born Bek David Campbell; July 8, 1970), known mononymously as Beck, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to fame in the early 1990s with his experimental and lo-fi style, and became known for creating musical collages of wide-ranging genres. He has musically encompassed folk, funk, soul, hip hop, electronic, alternative rock, country, and psychedelia. He has released 14 studio albums (three of which were released on indie labels), as well as several non-album singles and a book of sheet music.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Beck gravitated towards hip hop and folk in his teens and began to perform locally at coffeehouses and clubs. He moved to New York City in 1989 and became involved in the city's anti-folk movement. Returning to Los Angeles in the early 1990s, he cut his breakthrough single "Loser", which became a worldwide hit in 1994, and released his first major album, Mellow Gold, the same year. Odelay, released in 1996, topped critic polls and won several awards. He released the country-influenced, twangy Mutations in 1998, and the funk-infused Midnite Vultures in 1999. The soft-acoustic Sea Change in 2002 showcased a more serious Beck, and 2005's Guero returned to Odelay's sample-based production. The Information in 2006 was inspired by electro-funk, hip hop, and psychedelia; 2008's Modern Guilt was inspired by '60s pop music; and 2014's folk-infused Morning Phase won Album of the Year at the 57th Grammy Awards. His 2017 album, Colors, won awards for Best Alternative Album and Best Engineered Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. His fourteenth studio album, Hyperspace, was released on November 22, 2019. In 2022, Beck was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
With a pop art collage of musical styles, oblique and ironic lyrics, and postmodern arrangements incorporating samples, drum machines, live instrumentation and sound effects, Beck has been hailed by critics and the public throughout his musical career as being among the most idiosyncratically creative musicians of 1990s and 2000s alternative rock. Two of Beck's most popular and acclaimed recordings are Odelay and Sea Change, both of which were ranked on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Beck is a four-time platinum artist; he has collaborated with several artists and has made several contributions to soundtracks.
Not exactly to your point (as many, many songs have the exact same chords), but I remember when I first started listening to RP many years ago and was strumming along with the songs I heard. Bill played 4 songs in a row in the key of F#. Maybe not fully intentional but still I was kind of in awe. Later that day he played 4 songs in a row related to the word "cat" either by artist, song title or lyric. I realized then that I was seeing the handiwork of the segue king. Long live the king!
His vocals makes me think of someone impersonating a network news anchor trying to sing. The worst voice in music, save Tom Waits. Neither of whom I would call singers.
Ahh, the inevitable categorical "worst" (or "best", for that matter).
I've always enjoyed Beck's sound and I'm quite a fan of Tom Waits. Two of the more interesting voices to appear in American popular music IMHO. Certainly two of the more interesting songwriters.
It just so happened that Sea Change was released at one of the worst emotional times of my tiny existence. It barely left the car cd player for 3 months as I traveled through New Zealands thoroughly amazing South Island...totally depressed.
Perfectly depressed.
"Long-time listener, first-time writer." Sitting here quietly laughing at the negative language some people enjoy.
I'm actually in the Radio trade here in Ireland and, like performers at ALL levels, attract my share of vitriol. My standard response is, "Lads, if you don't like it, don't try to poison my life; just listen to something else." Simple.
Peace out.
Pat.
EDIT - just read a review and bought this one (sea change)..
I'm imagining this complaint being voiced in the whiniest possible voice.
A scientologist verses a morman....Which is worst?
Well your spelling is the worst. Also, Beck was raised by Scientologists and I never got a clear indication he was all in. Should I have the same view of your kids if you raised them as Christians? How do I know you're a Christian? An atheist would never say such stupid shit.
B&R, you get better every day. Your contribution to quality of life is invaluable.
Beck — Lost Cause
The Psychedelic Furs — The Ghost In You
Anyone else ever do this... look up another song in the current queue and upon returning to look at "now playing" see a song that you don't remember at all? I mean, for Pete's sake, I go take a look at Ungar, Mason & Friends, read a few comments, come back, Psychedelic Furs are playing and I can't remember a single thing about the Beck song that just played. I like to think at those times that the song was just so immemorable as to be forgotten easily and not a sign of failing faculties. Next time maybe I'll pay attention and hope for confirmation (if I remember).
In my case its just my age! I’ve become so forgetful that I could organise my own surprise party and still not spoil the surprise!