Modern Guilt (CD - 2008)

Personnel: Beck (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, flute, percussion); Chan Marshall (vocals); Jason Falkner (guitar, bass guitar); Larry Corbett (cello); Greg Kurstin (piano, organ, synthesizer); Danger Mouse (synthesizer, keyboard bass, programming); Brian Lebarton (synthesizer); Matt Mahaffey (bass guitar); Joey Waronker (drums); Drew Brown.

Audio Mixer: Darrell Thorp.

Recording information: Anonyme Studios, Los Angeles, CA.

Photographer: Drew Brown.

In the early days of his career, after every relatively mainstream major-label album (MELLOW GOLD, ODELAY), Beck would then release a more experimental indie disc such as the lo-fi ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE or the knotty STEREOPATHETIC SOULMANURE. Similarly, Beck has been fond of stylistic experiments such as the Brazilian-influenced MUTATIONS and the warped R&B of MIDNITE VULTURES. As he's matured as an artist, these smaller-scale releases and genre exercises have fallen somewhat off the radar, but the quickly recorded and loose-limbed MODERN GUILT recalls the feeling of those rough-edged earlier records. Paradoxically, it may also be his most immediately accessible and pop-oriented album ever. A stripped-down collaboration with Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton of Gnarls Barkley fame, MODERN GUILT is rooted in 1960s pop, from the British Invasion vibe of the bouncy "Gamma Ray" to the woozy psychedelia of "Chemtrails." Chan Marshall (aka Cat Power) also provides guest vocals on two songs, "Orphans" and "Walls." MODERN GUILT is available as a digital download, a standard CD, and a vinyl LP. minimize