No Guilt for Enjoying Beck's Newest Release.

One might think that an artist would struggle to produce new sound, new vision and new dimension for their tenth album. But this isn't just any artist. This is Beck, and he has demonstrated time and time again that he has the ability to produce an unprecedented sound all his own. Every single time. It is quite a feat in the music industry - to be able to freely experiment with sound and style while keeping a solid loyal fan base, and Beck is a proven master of this. "Modern Guilt," released in July 2008, shows listeners a more-questioning Beck, as he nears his mid-life (he'll turn 40 in 2010.) Many of the songs of the album are hazy, muddled drifting tunes, "Chemtrails" especially, absorbing the uncertain essence of the composer. There are songs that move though, unconsciously provoking head-bobbing and toe-tapping from the percussion-heavy beats and cosmic nuances. "Modern Guilt," although proclaiming a rather dire, depressing situation lyrically, pops and flourishes with electronic keyboard quips. The antsy, jittery beat of "Youthless" makes one feel as if they are being chased through a narrowing tunnel, which is just fun. The album manages to incorporate the hesitant inner workings of Beck's mind lyrically, delicately masked behind a more confident up-beat psychedelic vibe musically. The album, overall, is vibrant and obscure, characteristic of Beck's previous work. But it feels new and unfamiliar - that is the key. Beck leaves listeners with "Volcano," a slow, almost gospel-like chant, summing up his insecure, doubting state of mind. "I don't know if I'm sane but there's a ghost in my heart who's trying to see in the dark. I'm tired of people who only want to be pleased but I still want to please you." Don't worry Beck, you're pleasing me.