Mutations [Lp]

Whether he's got two turntables and a microphone or just an acoustic guitar, Beck's no loser, baby. Mutations may not be quite as quirky as Mellow Gold or Odelay, but that's not to say any of these songs are old hat. Even when he's writing a seemingly straightforward tune, Beck doesn't shy away from strange harmonic twists and ornamental electronic arabesques. With influences as diverse as Dylan and Djavan, Mutations turns out to be just as varied as its predecessors -- and it's even hummable. Release date: November 2, 1998