THE BEST OF BECKOLOGY

This single album compilation consists entirely of tracks taken from the triple CD "Beckology" career spanning compilation. The tracks here also span a period of some 26 years from 1963 to 1989, but on a necessarily more superficial level. While the tracks are generally presented chronologically, perversely the oldest track "Trouble in mind" by the Tridents appears last.

This collection opens with 3 Yardbirds numbers from the mid 1960's. These tracks are typical pop rock from the period, sometimes with a West Coast tinge. "Heart full of soul", interestingly composed by Graham Gouldman (later of 10CC), features some (for the time) dynamic guitar by Beck. The wonderful "Shapes of things" is more in the Beatles mode, but the fuzz guitar solo is its main reason for inclusion here.

Following these tracks, we have five by Beck as a solo artist or as leader of the Jeff Beck Group. "Hi ho silver lining" may have been his biggest hit and is undeniably an enjoyable sign-along, but it can be safely ignored in terms of the history of either Beck or prog. The song represents Beck's first single with pop producer Micky Most, the principal reason why this phase of his career is so pop orientated. The cover of "Jailhouse Rock" features the first appearance of Beck's long time friend Rod Stewart on the album.

The cover of Stevie Wonder's classic "Superstition" was recorded during Beck short lived association with Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice, which almost saw Beck join Vanilla Fudge. This is about as heavy as we get here, the driving rhythm and loose harmonies being reminiscent of Vanilla Fudge. The Jeff Beck solo tracks which follow come from his jazz/fusion era and are the reason he is listed on this site. The three tracks are all instrumentals, one being a further interpretation of a Stevie Wonder song, and one a Jan Hammer composition ("Star cycle", the theme from "The Tube", a British pop TV show).

Beck and Stewart's rendition of Curtis Mayfield's "People get ready" may be pop orientated, but it has true soul too and for me is the definitive version of this great spiritual song. Beck's guitar work on the track is particularly sensitive. On the other hand, the cover of The Troggs' "Wild Thing", complete with heavily distorted Beck vocals, is a clear example of when a cover version does not work. "Where were you" is taken from Beck's "Guitar shop" album on which he collaborates with Terry Bozzio and Tony Hymas. Although both are credited here, Bozzio does not appear to actually play on the track.

The album closes by returning fulll circle to 1963, and Beck's early band The Tridents performing a pop ballad. Beck's guitar prowess was visible even then, this track "Trouble in mind" being unreleased until it appeared on the "Beckology" set.

In all, an enjoyable romp through Beck's career. While the three CD "Beckology" clearly offers a more detailed study, anyone seriously interested in Back's career should head for his original albums which remain widely available.

The sleeve notes include an essay about Beck's career, detailed track credits, and a wonderful Jeff Beck rock family tree.

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