Mutations

Working with producer Nigel Godrich, who’s manned the controls for Radiohead, Beck Hansen followed up the Grammy-winning Odelay with an album that defied expectations and was at first greeted more as a “side project” than a serious follow-up. But time and perspective have shown that attempts to pigeonhole Beck to any one style are futile, and to always expect the unexpected. Mutations is considerably lower-key than the eclectic whirlwind of Odelay, but it’s hardly lo-fi. Country, folk, bossa nova, and psychedelia all make their genres felt, but always filtered through Beck’s own personal vision. “Cancelled Check” features tinkling pianos and pedal steel, but no one in Nashville would confuse Beck with one of their own. “Bottle of Blues” sounds like Beck’s been visiting the Mississippi Delta with the Kinks’ Ray Davies in tow. “Tropicalia” adds Brazilian rhythms without losing its slacker roots. By relying on his touring band and not an onslaught of samples, Beck’s sound is modest, and informal in spots. “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” features sitar and a string arrangement from his dad. Even subdued, Beck keeps his ambitions up