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[Kaladin]

NPR First Listen

When it comes to an artist like Beck, one of the most restless creators of his generation, attempting to measure artistic growth can be a fool's game. After I heard Morning Phase a few times, I went back to Sea Change and listened specifically to the rhythms. There are certainly similarities; both albums have a few majestic slow processionals and beautifully sculpted arrays of vocal harmony, and many of the same musicians contribute to the whole. I was struck, though, by the differences: how the crew brings a sense of serenity to Beck's refrains; how settled and selfless everything feels now; how the musicians breathe together in the vast open spaces between backbeats of a song like "Unforgiven." Making music involves choosing and then refining an approach — sometimes making little tweaks, sometimes abandoning what had previously been sacred. What you hear with these two records is a protracted version of that process. Beck and his supporting cast had clear ideas about playing a grand slow sad song in 2002; recognizing that fundamental ideas about rhythm have changed in the intervening years, they seek out new ways of walking a similar path. The search gives these songs deep resonance.

Morning Phase is true to its title: the beginning of yet another amazing chapter in Beck's peerless career and catalogue. Featuring musicians who have backed him on many of his most acclaimed albums, as well as the current live shows widely hailed as the best of his career (Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Joey Waronker, Smokey Hormel, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., and Jason Falkner), Morning Phase harkens back to the stunning harmonies, song craft and staggering emotional impact of Beck's most classic ballads, all the while surging forward with undeniable optimism.

Pre-order in various packages from Beck

also available everywhere 02/25.

This is seriously album of the year material for me. I have enjoyed listening to the preview tracks, and have been streaming the NPR version since it was put up. Can't wait to hold the vinyl in my hands.

 

[Metroid Killer]

Yeah considering my love for Sea Change and what I've listened to so far this is a going to be a strong contender for aoty.

 

[OverBlood 3]

A follow up to sea change? Well it's on my radar now at least.

 

[Kaladin]

Yeah considering my love for Sea Change and what I've listened to so far this is a going to be a strong contender for aoty.

This is actually better than Sea Change for me.

 

[Coins]

I used to really like Beck, then I found out he was a scientologist and I can't enjoy his music anymore.

 

[Kaladin]

I used to really like Beck, then I found out he was a scientologist and I can't enjoy his music anymore.

I don't let an artists beliefs affect how I enjoy their works unless it creeps into their works and starts to change what they do. Until I see that with Beck, which I haven't, his personal beliefs don't bother me.

 

[FloatOn]

I don't let an artists beliefs affect how I enjoy their works unless it creeps into their works and starts to change what they do. Until I see that with Beck, which I haven't, his personal beliefs don't bother me.

exactly.

sea change 2.0 is a day one purchase for me.

 

[KingGondo]

I used to really like Beck, then I found out he was a scientologist and I can't enjoy his music anymore.

I was disappointed when I heard that too, but it's not like Scientology comes into his music at all.

I feel sorry for people who can't separate the art from the person (and I've heard that Beck himself is a nice person regardless of his beliefs).

Besides, he was raised in the church AFAIK, which mitigates things to a large degree IMO.

...

Anyways, looking forward to this album. I've been a Beck fan since before I was a teenager.

 

[Kaladin]

Forgot to mention in the OP, pre-ordering through his website gets first access to pre-sales of Beck's world tour.

I have actually never seen Beck live....this might be the best time to correct that.

 

[120v]

sea change is one of my all time favorite albums. cannot wait to listen to this... though it's got some pretty big shoes to fill. gotta taper my expectations here

 

[Metroid Killer]

Forgot to mention in the OP, pre-ordering through his website gets first access to pre-sales of Beck's world tour.

I have actually never seen Beck live....this might be the best time to correct that.

Nice, and I highly recommend seeing him live. From the accoustics to total random shit it's a concert I will never forget.

 

[Gozer the Gozerian]

Now plz start work on Midnite Vultures 2.0

 

[ThisOne]

Now plz start work on Midnite Vultures 2.0

Yep. Would love a return to that style. What I've heard of Morning Phase so far, though, sounds good. Looking forward to picking it up for the physical release.

 

[chris121580]

This is just absolutely phenomenal

 

[Deleted member 57681]

Wow, ordering from Beck is fucking expensive. 30€ shipped for the vinyl, yikes.

Spoiler

amazon.de has it for 10€ less

I like what I'm hearing so far though.

 

[ced]

Been listening to this for a week or so, it's really good.

 

[Kaladin]

Wow, ordering from Beck is fucking expensive. 30€ shipped for the vinyl, yikes.

Spoiler

amazon.de has it for 10€ less

I like what I'm hearing so far though.

For me, ordering from Beck came out to be just a few $ more than getting both vinyl and CD from amazon, esp since Amazon are now charging taxes.

Probably the international shipping that kills you on it though.

 

[kris.]

it's amazing, guys.

 

[Mdot]

Good stuff. My cousin sent me the link this morning and now I have a chance to listen at work. Looking forward to it

 

[amnesiac]

Album of the year... Major contender. I know it's too early for that but I'm pretty amazed by this album.

I've listened to it around 10 times already and it gets better each time.

I might like it better than Sea Change... Maybe.

 

[chris121580]

Album of the year... Major contender. I know it's too early for that but I'm pretty amazed by this album.

I've listened to it around 10 times already and it gets better each time.

I might like it better than Sea Change... Maybe.

I do like it better. It's much more consistent

 

[lastflowers]

I'm really not taken by this one. Feels much weaker than Sea Change to me. Will have to give it some more spins though, because I want to love it.

 

[Buckethead]

"Blue Moon" and "Waking Light" are the standout tracks.

Most of the lyrics don't do much for me, even if the accompanying music is beautiful.

It sounds somewhat similar to "Sea Change" but it doesn't really have the heartbreak or substance that made that record great. Morning Phase is interesting and melodic at times but a little generic and forgettable.

 

[Coins]

I don't let an artists beliefs affect how I enjoy their works unless it creeps into their works and starts to change what they do. Until I see that with Beck, which I haven't, his personal beliefs don't bother me.

It's hard to draw the line when it comes to Scientology. There's numerous accounts of church sanctioned beatings, people vanishing and possible murders. It's a violent cult. I mean, if there were different sects of Scientology that condemned the radical actions of a few, it would be different. However, all scientologists are unified behind the veil of secrecy.

 

[KingGondo]

It's hard to draw the line when it comes to Scientology. There's numerous accounts of church sanctioned beatings, people vanishing and possible murders. It's a violent cult. I mean, if there were different sects of Scientology that condemned the radical actions of a few, it would be different. However, all scientologists are unified behind the veil of secrecy.

It's not like every Scientologist is complicit in the abuse and fraud that the church perpetrates. Many aren't even aware of what's going on, or they've been fooled by the church into thinking that the news stories are lies.

Those who break from the church or speak out against its practices face serious consequences--excommunication, harassment, and separation from the many friends (and even family) that are still in the church.

I personally view the church as a weird little cult that became truly dangerous when Miscavige took over after the death of LRH. The church has definitely taken on his personality, unfortunately.

...

Getting back on topic, however: loving the album on my first listen. The last Beck album I really enjoyed was Guero, and I can tell this is his best since then.

 

[Kaladin]

Even The Verge is chiming in with love for the Beck album:

Morning Phase has been described as a "sequel" to Beck's 2002 classic Sea Change — an album that eschewed his more traditional mashed-up, upbeat sound for lush, acoustic-driven soundscapes, a deliberate, sometimes ponderous tempo, and introspective, often bleak lyrics. At first listen, there's no doubt that Morning Phase owes a significant debt to the sonic palette of Sea Change, but it's much more a true spiritual sequel than a derivative follow-up. It's alternatingly intimate and spacious, traditional and oddball — and there's always a new sound following the ever-present strum of Beck's acoustic guitar.

http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/17/5419870/becks-first-new-album-in-six-years-is-streaming-now-at-npr

 

[TheCowboyPoet]

Sea Change remains in my top 5 albums of all time, so I preordered Morning Phase as soon as I heard Blue Moon. As much as I liked Guero, The Information, etc, this has been the Beck album I've been waiting for.

 

[BravesCountry]

Just got through the whole album, and I'd say it is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning of just relaxing. It's been a while since I've really listened to Beck but it's nice to get into another album of his.

 

[Zeppeli]

This and Sage Francis' new album are some of my most hyped this year. I should buy this now...

 

[Kaladin]

Next week, can't wait to get the vinyl for this.

 

[Brerlappin]

Chalk me up as another person who cant separate the beliefs from the artist here. Just cant take him seriously since finding out hes a scientologist. Having said that tho, last beck album i listened to was mellow gold, i hated the change in style after that.

 

[Gouty]

Chalk me up as another person who cant separate the beliefs from the artist here. Just cant take him seriously since finding out hes a scientologist. Having said that tho, last beck album i listened to was mellow gold, i hated the change in style after that.

Give me a break. His beliefs don't invalidate him as an artist. He still feels the same emotions we do.

And yeah, Scientology is absurd but so is Christianity.

If my taste in music excluded anyone who believes in sky wizards I'd be bored out of my mind with the remaining selection.

I was disappointed when I heard that too, but it's not like Scientology comes into his music at all.

Wrong. Scientology is the creative linchpin for The Information.

Doesn't bother me anymore than Stevie Wonder singing about Jesus.

 

[lastflowers]

Give me a break. His beliefs don't invalidate him as an artist. He still feels the same emotions we do.

And yeah, Scientology is absurd but so is Christianity.

If my taste in music excluded anyone who believes in sky wizards I'd be bored out of my mind with the remaining selection.

same here. Someone else summed up my thoughts, I think it was in an article--but maybe on GAF somewhere. Especially since he was born into Scientology, I view it the exact same way someone who was born into Christianity or any other religion. They both seem ludicrous to me, but it's hard to shake something that's been taught to you since birth--especially since it does fill in questions about things that the modern world can't really answer.

That being said, I would think of him less if he 'found' scientology--but that still wouldn't affect my view on his music. It might provide some context, but in general I try to separate my enjoyment of music from its author unless the two are so inextricably linked. Kanye West is one of those latter artists, but liking him has nothing to do with enjoying the music. His personal life is so ingrained in the music that he's a fascinating artist (imo) to follow.

 

[Helmholtz]

I'm not too familiar with Beck's discography, but I do like Sea Change. This album is similar to that one and it's pretty good. Blue Moon in particular is fantastic.

 

[Epcott]

I'm going to cross my fingers and hope he has a song or two with similar tone to Earthquake Weather or Volcano.

Sure the album will be dynamite regardless.

 

[zerotol]

"Blue Moon" and "Waking Light" are the standout tracks.

I think Waking Light is the best song on the album. Especially the second half of that song.

 

[jambo]

I think Waking Light is the best song on the album. Especially the second half of that song.

Either Morning or Turn Away for me.

Turn Away has some serious CSNY and Simon & Garfunkel vibes.

 

[Kaladin]

I'm also digging Country Down, but the album as a whole is a nice package. It's a record you can just throw on and chill with.

 

[jambo]

Will be in the car on repeat for a while.

 

[Kaladin]

Will be in the car on repeat for a while.

You lucky....I hope my vinyl and CD come soon, but I doubt I'll get it before release date.

I'll have to settle for my leaked copy, which is pretty damn good for a leaked rip.

 

[lawlohwhat]

really enjoying this album after a few listens. it's much more palatable than sea change.

heart is a drum and blue moon are my favorite tracks so far

 

[jambo]

You lucky....I hope my vinyl and CD come soon, but I doubt I'll get it before release date.

I'll have to settle for my leaked copy, which is pretty damn good for a leaked rip.

Aussie retail release was Feb 21 for some reason.

Loving this album, just so damn good.

 

[POWERSPHERE]

Sea Change was the death of Becks true creative vision and he's been a fearful ghost of his own creation ever since.

He's now basically Chris Martin, an 'indie' choice for Coldplay fans and is lyrically depleted. It's incredibly sad for me, as he was my favorite artist up to Sea Change.

 

[POWERSPHERE]

I don't let an artists beliefs affect how I enjoy their works unless it creeps into their works and starts to change what they do. Until I see that with Beck, which I haven't, his personal beliefs don't bother me.

Listen to everything pre Sea Change when he was dating his muse Leigh Limon, then listen to Sea Change onward when he first got with Marissa Ribisi, a 'clear' level Scientologist. The change is noticeable as he went from a nimble genius to a sluggish, depressed shadow of his former self right away. His voice is the big giveaway, he started singing like a dickhead on Sea Change and has never come back.

 

[Gouty]

Sea Change was the death of Becks true creative vision and he's been a fearful ghost of his own creation ever since.

He's now basically Chris Martin, an 'indie' choice for Coldplay fans and is lyrically depleted. It's incredibly sad for me, as he was my favorite artist up to Sea Change.

Listen to everything pre Sea Change when he was dating his muse Leigh Limon, then listen to Sea Change onward when he first got with Marissa Ribisi, a 'clear' level Scientologist. The change is noticeable as he went from a nimble genius to a sluggish, depressed shadow of his former self right away. His voice is the big giveaway, he started singing like a dickhead on Sea Change and has never come back.

I'm pretty much with you. His 12'' singles, especially Gimme haven given me hope however.

 

[Jzero]

I feel kind of disappointed to be honest. Not as eargasmic as his previous albums.

 

[Blader]

This album is really great. Love Sea Change, and this is a worthy successor.

 

[Kaladin]

Just came in the mail.....vinyl so good.

 

[Aversion]

I was disappointed when I heard that too, but it's not like Scientology comes into his music at all.

I feel sorry for people who can't separate the art from the person (and I've heard that Beck himself is a nice person regardless of his beliefs).

Besides, he was raised in the church AFAIK, which mitigates things to a large degree IMO.

...

Anyways, looking forward to this album. I've been a Beck fan since before I was a teenager.

There was always something about him I didn't really adore, as in I like his music but don't think I would ever care about his views. His music is generally good but the old catalogue craps on the most of the new stuff by a large margin.

Mellow Gold, One Foot..., and Odelay are still his trifecta imo. Mutations is a fucking beast EP. Add on Midnite if yer in the mood.

Sea Change was pretty good. The Information was terrible B-side garbage. Guero was good if a little samey and the acoustic version of the last album was clearly better than the normal one.

http://www.lermanet.com/beck/

Some detail into that stuff. Beck doesn't seem nearly as bad as some of them but....

 

[POWERSPHERE]

There was always something about him I didn't really adore, as in I like his music but don't think I would ever care about his views. His music is generally good but the old catalogue craps on the most of the new stuff by a large margin.

Mellow Gold, One Foot..., and Odelay are still his trifecta imo. Mutations is a fucking beast EP. Add on Midnite if yer in the mood.

Sea Change was pretty good. The Information was terrible B-side garbage. Guero was good if a little samey and the acoustic version of the last album was clearly better than the normal one.

http://www.lermanet.com/beck/

Some detail into that stuff. Beck doesn't seem nearly as bad as some of them but....

Totally on point. The Golden Harvest 10 inch has the best version of Totally Confused on it too with 'That Dog'. So great.

He had a real voice, and a real spark that has seem to been extinguished, to which I hold Scientology accountable. That link goes into why quite well.

PRO TRs, 10/89 (This is the infamous bull baiting class, that involves intense brainwashing to create the zombie-like disconnected behavior seen often in Scientologists and other cult victims)

It really confused me why beck lost his spark, but it seems to make sense when you read up on Scientology and their practices. So sad, he was set to be a legend.