The Information (Bonus Video Version)

Is it part of his perversity, his innate weirdness, or a pure accident of nature that where most artists make an emotional connection with their fans and their music, Beck creates an electrifying distance? Beck’s brilliance has been his ability to juxtapose grooves, to find new avenues for dead-end genres and to make it seem as if wherever he’s at is the place to be. He comes off more the DJ orchestrating the party than the singular author writing and performing the songs. In a sense, the man is tooeclectic to be pinned down. He continues to wrestle himself out of every potential headlock with The Information, an album he started with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich before he reunited with the Dust Brothers for 2005’s Guero. Finally completed, it’s another kaleidoscopic ride. “Strange Apparition” sounds like the Rolling Stones’ “Torn and Frayed” given an injection of crystal meth. “Soldier Jane” percolates with an uneasy tension guiding its extra-terrestrial prog rock synths and hip-hop beats. “Dark Star” sounds like a mix of ‘70s Philly Soul, early ‘80s video-game breakdance ambience and some rustic delta blues harmonica tossed in for good humor and measure.