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ACL review: Beck

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May 2012

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By Michael Corcoran | Sunday, September 28, 2008, 06:50 AM

When Saturday co-headliner Beck came out with his long, blonde hair falling out of an “El Topo” hat and went into “Loser,” his breakout single from the ’90s, it seemed like Dana Carvey was working on a new impression. The set would keep on a slowly percolating build, with the new Kinks-like “Modern Guilt” and “Gamma Ray” highlights. But then the subdued frontman and his band gathered up front with headphone mikes for a befuddling fake rap set that included “Hell Yes” from “Guero.” The audience exodus was downright “Dylanesque,” though with less head-scratching. Beck just doesn’t have the show that could keep an estimated 25,000 entertained, though those in the front half seemed to be swimming in delirium, especially when he went into “Where It’s At” and “Devil’s Haircut” from “Odelay.” A strange sight, but somehow telling: kids taking photos of the Jumbotron images. Portraits of detachment. A shambling shaman, Beck is Prince if the funk genius had more interesting ideas and much less musical ability. The Pauper’s Low Power Generation needs four walls to bounce off of. It was a set full of cool musical interplay that lacked a co-headliner’s kick. Photo: Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN

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Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: ACL 2008: Saturday, ACL Festival

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By Rob N

September 29, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Beck delivered a “workmanlike” performance at ACL on Saturday. There was not a shred of the unique and inventive performance that he delivered at the Backyard last time out. To top off the mundane, he rushed through his set and finished about 15 minutes early. Big disappointment for a big Beck fan.

By c dave

September 29, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

After readiing a few reviews it sounds like Beck sucked. Luckily I was there too so I know how much the band rocked. Great music at the fest and Beck was the best.

By duderino

October 1, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen Beck multiple times and this set was far from his best I’m afraid. Rob’s right on with the “workmanlike” and uninspired performance. And I’m still waiting for the encore…