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Sep 19, 2014lukasevansherman rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Beck's 12th album is not, as some contend, merely a retread of his mopey "Sea Change" or the album of lifetime, as some idiot said. His first album since "Modern Guilt," it is a slice of mellower, morose Beck. As Stephen Colbert asked recently "Why Beck sad?" Given that it's been 20 years since "Loser," a song which led many to dismiss him as a gimmick, he has a lot to be happy about. Beautifully arranged (with strings by his dad) and played (by members of his long-time backing band), it does veer into hazy, occasionally boring territory and I do miss funky Beck, but even if it doesn't break new ground the way his albums used to, it's a very good, mid-career effort that plays well especially in the morning (duh) and in the evening. He could've called it "Mellow Gold" if he hadn't already used the title. "Mutations" is my favorite of his more acoustic, introspective work.