Give Beck credit, when he sinks his hooks into some musical curiosity, it's a
challenge he’ll pursue until he’s satisfied to alter its fashion. Not the
other way around. ‘99s "Who Else!" was a technological rebirth as well as a
change in technique for the guitar legend. Smitten by the near-endless array
of new musical software, Beck jammed his slinky fretwork into an excursion of
energized electro-beats, ravenous sampling and retro-fusion showmanship that
spun his work with a bold cyber-metal sound.
"You Had it Coming" is part two of the pursuit,
taking his multi-ef'xed amp and swift fingering to extremes, with riffage
triggered by whatever peculiar sound is programmed for the moment. For
instance, "Nadia" is an Eastern-flavored piece that has Beck peeling off
quick, piercing riffs, while setting up for the exchange of birdcalls and
nature noises during the placid "Blackbird."
The roughhewn version of
"Rollin’ and Tumblin’" may best describe Beck’s current frame of mind, with
a freewheelin’ fingerpicked demon that drags Delta licks through Saturn’s
rings, finally resolving the disc with somber, churchy organ-like chording
for the climactic "Suspension." In between, Beck squiggles, zooms and
fractals through the exchanges like a tot banging his fists on a PlayStation.
Thirty years ago, if you would have told me that Jeff Beck would eventually
end up sounding like the futuristic metal of Helios Creed and Chrome, I would
laughed in your face. Instead, I only marvel that Beck remains his individual
voice on the path to 2010.
