Tuesday Tribute: Beck

Beck Hansen, better known simply as Beck is recognized as one of the most creative and multi-dimensional artists of the past twenty years. Growing up in Los Angeles, Beck soaked in influences from the diverse music scene including hip-hop, punk, and latin music. After dropping out of high school and spending time in Europe and New York City, Beck met Chris Ballew, who would go on to form the Presidents of the United States of America, and the two performed regularly together. Beck was eventually picked up by independent label Bong Load Records and wrote his first big hit "Loser." "Loser" made its way up through the college rankings and eventually gained wide mainstream success. Beck signed with Geffen and became an instant 90's sensation. Beck's career is notable because of it's different creative stages. The absurd feelgoodness of Mellow Gold and Odelay as well as the more emotional Sea Change and the experimental Guero and Midnite Vultures have constantly kept Beck fans on their feet and anticipating his next move. He was made famous by his nonsensical white boy raps over funky sampled beats, but has gone on to write sophisticated folk melodies and well orchestrated funk grooves. Beck is an interesting character all around, being both an accomplished artist as well as an outspoken Scientologist. He is able to pull elements from his everyday life and translate them into song concepts as he did brilliantly for his 2002 album Sea Change which stems mainly from a breakup of a long time relationship. Despite the off-color approach of his initial jump on the music scene, Beck has been received very warmly by critics, having had two Rolling Stone Albums of the Year and been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards. With the turn of the decade, it is tough to tell how Beck may once again transform his styles, but today we can take a glance at the past and explore where he has gone thus far.

The first video this week is of Beck performing one of his biggest hits "Where Its At" on the short lived musical TV program Sessions at West 54th. The show, which was hosted by David Byrne, featured some really cool artists such as Phish, Beck, Ben Folds Five, and Keb Mo and a lot of the stuff is up on YouTube, so you should check it out. I love Beck's unusually funky stage presence.



Next up is Beck's later hit "Mixed Bizness" performed live on the show Farmclub in 2000. At this point in his touring career, Beck was using a full horn section and was getting a really solid sound. This tune is a great party starter as shown by the energy the crowd possesses.



When I first saw the video for "Loser" I thought either I was on drugs or the TV was on drugs. I have come to appreciate it as one of the best videos of all time to accompany one of the best songs of recent times. Rolling Stone named "Loser" song number 200 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.



Last up is Beck performing "E-Pro," which is the first single off of his album Guero. This take is from Jools Holland's show and is a good example of how Beck has constantly morphed his musical styles and his live shows. This one features an oddly placed backup dancer/hype man/percussionist.



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Tuesday Tribute: Curtis Mayfield

From his time with the Impressions to his later days as a funk pioneer, Curtis Mayfield has touched souls around the world with his music. Known as one of the more politically conscious artists of his time, many of his tunes inspired social change and instilled hope in his listeners. Creating music fueled by hand percussion, wah-wah guitar, and horn sections, Mayfield composed some of the 70's greatest gems including "Pusherman" and "Move on Up," which many know as the sample in Kanye West's song "Touch the Sky." Perhaps Mayfield's greatest body of work was the 1972 soundtrack to "Superfly" which is recognized as one of the most influential albums in African-American history with lyrics that portray the struggles of black America at that time. Named as #69 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, the record has gone on to influence everyone from Herbie Hancock to Snoop Dogg. In 1991, tragedy occurred when the lighting equipment at an outdoor concert he was performing fell on him, paralyzing him from the neck down. Although Mayfield "kept on pushin'" for years after the incident, his 1999 death was linked to complications from the injury. While Mayfield's death was both sudden and tragic, his soul continues to shine to the present day. Much like John Lennon did in the 70's, Curtis Mayfield's greatest mission was to bring peace among the human race. His music and his ideals will forever influence all who listen.

The first video this week is of Curtis and his band performing "Keep on Keeping On" on the Old Grey Whistle Test. This tune of optimism is driven by Mayfield's familiar rhythm guitar playing and the funky congas to back him. Gotta love the suit Curtis is sporting too!



This next clip is proof that Mayfield's musical legacy continues to thrive. Members of Welcome To Florida are joined by fellow Boston musicians for a take of The Impressions classic "We're a Winner" molded together with "Move on Up." Their version pays homage to the recently inaugurated President Obama just as Curtis' version on 1971's Curtis/Live! gives a shout out to Martin Luther King.



Up next is guitar-god Jeff Beck being joined on stage by neo-soul queen Joss Stone for a soulful cut of Mayfield's "People Get Ready." Also in Beck's band is Australian bass virtuoso Tal Wilkenfeld, master drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and keyboardist Jason Rebello. At such an intimate show, this take is soaked with soul and feeling.



This next video shows the Superfly himself performing his most recognizable hit. Despite promoting a bit of an exploitive film, "Superfly" has an undeniable groove and has gone down as one of the greatest tunes of the 70's. Not only was Mayfield influential and heroic in many ways, but he also shows that he's pretty damn cool.