Beck

07/31/201402/11/2021

Beck Song Reader

In 2012 Beck released Song Reader, an album of only sheet music with the hope that musicians would perform and record their own interpretations of his songs.

We now have a recording of these 20 songs from the likes of Tweedy, Norah Jones, Lord Huron, Jack White, Laura Marling, Jarvis Cocker, David Johansen, Eleanor Friedberger, Sparks, Jack Black, and Beck himself.

Listen here to Laura Marling singing “Sorry” followed by Jarvis Cocker’s contribution “Eyes That Say ‘I Love You’”.

Laura Marling “Sorry”

Jarvis Cocker “Eyes That Say ‘I Love You’”

07/30/201402/11/2021

Jenny Lewis

Jenny Lewis, a young child-actress, moved on to a music career, best known with her band Rilo Kiley.

Her 3rd solo album and her first in 5 years is The Voyager.

Produced primarily by Ryan Adams, “She’s Not Me” is a standout as is the song “Just One of the Guys” recorded with Beck who also provides backing vocals.

“She’s Not Me”

“Just One of the Guys”

01/21/201402/10/2021

In 2012, the ever-prolific artist Beck, gave us Song Reader, an album composed entirely of sheet music for musicians to record and perform.

Now a new album of Beck music recorded by the musician himself is forthcoming.

“Blue Moon” is the beautiful first single from Morning Phase.

01/08/201402/10/2021

Sweetheart 2014

As I prepare for my annual sojourn to Southeast Asia I depart with a wonderful compilation entitled Sweetheart 2014.

The album consists of handpicked love songs covered by the likes of Beck, Jim James, Fiona Apple, Phosphorescent, Ben Harper, The Head and the Heart, Valerie June, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and a daring choice by Vampire Weekend.

The band chose “Time to Say Goodbye (Con te partirò)” made famous by the great Italian opera tenor Andrea Bocelli.

We’ll hear each version here.

Vampire Weekend

Andrea Bocelli duet with Sarah Brightman

04/18/201201/25/2021

Beck

Beck, the prolific musician, producer, collaborator and contributor, continues to grow his unique American songbook.

Most recently he provided a song for the film Jeff, Who Lives at Home.

“Looking for a Sign” is another beautiful addition to Beck’s oeuvre.

06/16/201106/16/2011

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks have slated a new album, Mirror Traffic, for a late August release.

Produced by Beck, this will be the Pavement frontman’s fifth album with the Jicks.

On the first offering from the album, SM sings of the “Senator” and what the man truly wants. He’s also giving the song away for free.

[jwplayer mediaid=”4709″]

04/04/201111/06/2014

Thurston Moore

Thurston Moore, the ever-versatile and multi-talented singer, songwriter and guitarist of Sonic Youth, is poised to release his third solo album in late May.

Demolished Thoughts was produced by Beck.

“Benediction” is a lovely song (and free download) from the album and features Samara Lubelski on violin.

[jwplayer mediaid=”4566″]

“Benediction” by Thurston Moore

06/10/201006/06/2011

Beck

Yesterday we featured Beck along with Bat For Lashes. Today, we hear from Beck once again, this time from the soundtrack to HBO’s True Blood, Volume 2. “Bad Blood” is Beck’s take on Louisiana swamp Cajun blues and is the Song of the Day.

[jwplayer mediaid=”4250″]

“Bad Blood” by Beck

06/09/201006/06/2011

Beck and Bat For Lashes

Yesterday we featured the duo voices of Lucinda Williams and Elvis Costello. Today we move to another generation with the exquisite combination of Bat For Lashes and Beck. Bat For Lashes is the name used by Natasha Kahn, an English musician and songwriter with a dreamy voice. Her two albums, Fur and Gold and Two Suns, are two of my favorites. Beck has always proven to be unpredictable, distinctive and unique through his twelve albums, an artist that always moves us in new directions. From the soundtrack to The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, “Let’s Get Lost” is the Song of the Day.

[jwplayer mediaid=”4248″]

“Let’s Get Lost” by Beck and Bat For Lashes