BLOW BY BLOW

A very listenable combination of funk, rock and blues. This always provides a nice alternative when I need some straight-up guitar rock and am not in the mood for Satriani. Hearing this interesting combination of tunes has led me to explore more of Beck's work (some of which I'm glad I found, other pieces not so much). At any rate, Beck is at his best here, providing lots of tones and effects, while giving plenty of room for the band to make meaningful contributions. This is great music and not simply fancy guitar driven rock.

You Know What I Mean, She's a Woman, Constipated Duck. Here we open with a funky rocker, a playful lighter tune, and then move back into funk. Pretty catchy melodies, and there are plenty of guitar overdubs to keep you interested.

Air Blower, Scatterbrain. These two pieces really play as one, and they are the highlight of the album. These are heavy-jazz songs with just enough funkiness to give them a nice bite. Air Blower starts with a great groove and finishes with a great bluesy section, which leads perfectly into the killer drums that open Scatterbrain. This piece ROCKS throughout, and you will never get bored. Here all musicians are firing on all cylinders, and Beck does a great job of not dominating the action.

Cause We've Ended as Lovers. A slow, bluesy number that builds nicely. The notes just ooze out of Beck's guitar, and the keys are perfectly restrained but ever present.

Thelonius, Freeway Jam. The funky rock from the start of the album is back and better than ever. Freeway Jam is especially energetic and toe-tapping. We've been waiting for Beck to REALLY cut loose, and here we get it! You can just tell the boys loved playing this song.

Diamond Dust. A very mellow and restrained close to the album. It really works, in large part because it adds another dimension to the styles covered throughout the rest of the album.

All in all, a very solid album. Great music, though not necessarily progressive throughout. Few people would be able to resist enjoying this music, and it's my favorite from Beck (though I'm still expanding my exposure to his work).