Continuing a countdown of my favorite albums of 1996…
#4 – Odelay – Beck
Beck had released four albums before Odelay, including three in 1994 alone, but this record put him on the map as one of the most talented and creative minds in popular music.
Odelay is a glorious smorgasbord of genres, instruments, and techniques. But Beck doesn’t just cram all of those elements into one album, he blends them together in every song. He was splicing hip-hop and country together before Lil Nas X or Shaboozey were even born.
This album is noteworthy for its stylistic ambition, and important for breaking new ground, but it’s also an incredibly fun listen. Beck packs wit into his lyrics and his music alike, conducting a snotty street-smart symphony.
Nothing on Odelay cracked the top ten like ‘Loser’ had a few years earlier, but ‘Where It’s At,’ ‘Devils Haircut,’ ‘Jack-Ass’ and ‘The New Pollution’ all made it to the Hot 100. The album went double Platinum, and remains Beck’s top-selling release.
Beck went on to craft equally strong, wildly different, albums, including 2002’s gorgeously melancholic Sea Change and its Album of the Year-winning sequel Morning Phase (2014). But Odelay was his first masterpiece and the one that best showcases his brilliance.
I don’t need no wheels, I don’t need no gasoline
‘Cause the wind that is blowing is blowing like a smoke machine
If I said to you that I was looking for a place to get to
‘Cause my neck is broken and my pants ain’t gettin’ no bigger
[Chorus]
I got a stolen wife and a rhinestone life
And some good old boys
I’m writing my will on a three dollar bill
In the evening time
[Verse 2]
All my friends tell me something is gettin’ together
I got a beard that would disappear if I’m dressed in leather
Now let me tell you about my baby, she was born in Arizona
Sittin’ in the jailhouse trying to learn some good manners
[Chorus]
I got a stolen wife and a rhinestone life
And some good old boys
I’m writing my will on a three dollar bill
In the evening time
[Verse 3]
Matchsticks strike when I’m riding my bike to the depot
‘Cause everybody knows my name at the recreation center
If I could only find a nickel I would pay myself off tonight
‘Cause nobody knows when the good times have passed out cold
[Chorus]
I got a stolen wife and a rhinestone life
And some good old boys
I’m writing my will on a three dollar bill
In the evening time
I got a stolen wife and a rhinestone life
And some good old boys
I’m writing my will on a three dollar bill
In the evening time
[Outro]
Don’t talk to me
If you’re looking for somebody to cry on
Don’t talk to me
If you’re looking for somebody to cry on
Meet Me In Montauk 