Looked up this morning, saw the roses full of thorns
Guns are falling, they don't have nowhere to go
Oceans of diamonds always shine, smooth out below
Can we start it all over again this morning?
I lost all my defenses this morning
Won't you show me the way it used to be?
I've gone all around 'til there's nothing left to say
Wrote it all down into something that couldn't be said
I tore it all down and buried me underneath the wave
Can we start it all over again this morning?
I let down my defenses this morning
It was just you and me this morning
I fought all my guesses this morning
Won't you show me the way it could've been?

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.
I am so conflicted!! I really enjoy Beck's music...but that Scientology crap continues, continues to put me off.
I know the confliction you describe and (for me at least) I've resolved it by 1) remembering that Mr. Hansen has NEVER come to my door trying to 'convert' me and 2) having compassion for him and anyone else that I believe has been lead astray with any number of bullshit religions, etc.
Once that clicks for you I think you'll find you're able to enjoy his tunes a bit better. Heck, his post-breakup album (Sea Change) captures very well that 'lost love' feeling that we HUMANS endure from time to time, atheist/christian/scientologist/etc., alike.
Long Live RP!! OH...I have this one rated at 8....it's borderline 9 for me.
I know the confliction you describe and (for me at least) I've resolved it by 1) remembering that Mr. Hansen has NEVER come to my door trying to 'convert' me and 2) having compassion for him and anyone else that I believe has been lead astray with any number of bullshit religions, etc.
Once that clicks for you I think you'll find you're able to enjoy his tunes a bit better. Heck, his post-breakup album (Sea Change) captures very well that 'lost love' feeling that we HUMANS endure from time to time, atheist/christian/scientologist/etc., alike.
Long Live RP!! OH...I have this one rated at 8....it's borderline 9 for me.
I'll also point out that, as of 2019, he has disavowed the church, and does not identify as a Scientologist.
Yes Beck - do the "70s thing" while listening to Dark Side of the Moon
Completely different chord progression - not even vaguely similar, but don't let that ruin your narrative. Apparently, every song was written by Pink Floyd anyhow, at least according to many listeners here.
Pure genius.
Yes. We all are in agreement. Beck is a boring no-talent asshole.
If you're so easily bored by a song that's only a few minutes long, that's on you, not Beck.
I know the confliction you describe and (for me at least) I've resolved it by 1) remembering that Mr. Hansen has NEVER come to my door trying to 'convert' me and 2) having compassion for him and anyone else that I believe has been lead astray with any number of bullshit religions, etc.
Once that clicks for you I think you'll find you're able to enjoy his tunes a bit better. Heck, his post-breakup album (Sea Change) captures very well that 'lost love' feeling that we HUMANS endure from time to time, atheist/christian/scientologist/etc., alike.
Long Live RP!! OH...I have this one rated at 8....it's borderline 9 for me.
Also, Beck was never a fully committed proselytizing celebrity scientologist in the model of John Travolta, Tom Cruise, or even Lea Rimini (formerly). He last appeared at a major Scientologist event in 2005. He has/had members of his family (parents and wife) who were, however, full on members of the "faith". Indoctrination in any faith by one's parents happens with every single religion. Moving on from such indoctrination happens to many and seems to have happened for Mr. Hansen. Good for him.
BTW: His music would be FANTASTIC regardless of any belief system he might follow.
I know the confliction you describe and (for me at least) I've resolved it by 1) remembering that Mr. Hansen has NEVER come to my door trying to 'convert' me and 2) having compassion for him and anyone else that I believe has been lead astray with any number of bullshit religions, etc.
Once that clicks for you I think you'll find you're able to enjoy his tunes a bit better. Heck, his post-breakup album (Sea Change) captures very well that 'lost love' feeling that we HUMANS endure from time to time, atheist/christian/scientologist/etc., alike.
Long Live RP!! OH...I have this one rated at 8....it's borderline 9 for me.
I think it's important to point out that Beck's parents were both Scientologists. He was born into it - never had a chance. No need to do mental gymnastics. Beck aside from his beliefs is still an artist you can't ignore.
Loved it then, and love it now. This is a great album.
Yes. We all are in agreement. Beck is a boring no-talent asshole.
No Talent? LMAO
Jealous much?
Long live RP!!!!!
I've managed to, for decades now. It can be done.
Well - you have missed out and can go back to sticking your head up your Arse!
If someones religion or political beliefs put me off their music, I'd be listening to...nothing.
Scientology is a tad quacked, as with a few other religions including Christianity, but if the music is good I'm willing to ignore that aspect of him, her or them.
I can overlook more than that. I may not (probably won't) purchase more from that artist, but if I have already, I'll listen despite credible sexual assault allegations, domestic violence, etc.
Not listening to Ike and Tina Turner or Jackie Wilson again? Not happening. Whispers (Gettin' Louder) by JW is an all-time fave cut. I love that song.
Take the best of what people have to offer and cut 'em a little slack with the rest. Especially if, one, they're dead or two, they're making amends.
I am so conflicted!! I really enjoy Beck's music...but that Scientology crap continues, continues to put me off.
You were oh so original in "going there". Bold. A true adventurer.
One of the greatest songwriters in the last 3 decades.
Pure genius.
agreed
As it's three months after you posted that, and I'm listening to it on a foggy Sunday morning ... I agree.