Beck is back, this time on glorious One-Step audiophile vinyl…
Beck – Ride Lonesome – Capitol/Definitive Sound Series #DSS15 – Limited Edition 3000 pressings audiophile vinyl – 42:49 – ****1/2
(Beck – acoustic guitar, piano, vocals; Smokey Hormel – guitar; Jason Falkner – guitar; Justin Meidal-Johnsen – bass; Joey Waronker – drums; Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. – keyboards; Stanley Clarke – upright bass; Greg Leisz – pedal steel guitar; David Campbell – string and orchestral arrangements; Sierra Ferrell – vocals on title track)
It was a major coup for the boutique audiophile label, Interscope-Capitol, for their Definitive Sound Series, to be able to have Beck as their first artist to have a NEW studio album on the label. They had already re-issued his Grammy Award album, Morning Phase, and now could totally control the whole process of a new studio album.
For fans of the artist, and audiophiles who want only the best sound recordings, this is manna from heaven. Consider these facts: Using 24-bit/96kHZ original vinyl files on 180 gm high-def vinyl, and the One-Step Process, its a sound experience that rivals being in the sound studio listening to the live finished product!
Beck’s laid back unique vocals, backed by David Campbell’s (Beck’s father) string and orchestral arrangements, create magical imagery that could compare to Brian Wilson’s opus, Pet Sounds, the ambiance of Nick Drake, or early Neil Young. It’s that special…
It’s also Beck’s first album of all new material since 2019. There are twelve tracks, that contain many highlights. The title track opens the album, and it introduces a reflective, often times pensive, almost sad mood. The layered mixed vocals blend with pedal steel guitar. Jazz bassist legend, Stanley Clarke, guests on “In the Night,” aided by tight string backing, and lyrics that channel Nick Drake.
The piano ballad, “Failed Words,” is a nice change of pace. It is easy to conjure early Neil Young, when listening to Beck’s high range vocal on “Bleed.” Dark strings help elevate the mood of “For Your Love,” whereas the countrified “Slow Canyon,” is a bit more upbeat and hopeful.
“It Ends Right Here,” has light acoustic guitar strumming and lushly mixed Beck vocals, and lightens some of the earlier darker moods. The highlight for many on the album may be the pop ballad, “Falling Through My Hands,” which will likely generate a lot of radio play. It’s simply lovely, and the vocal mix has a Beach Boys feel good mellow warmness.
“If You Don’t Know What Love Is” totally brings to mind The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses.” The pedal steel guitar helps make this track special to me.
Fans of Beck, who appreciate a full production, incorporating his vocal talents with moving orchestral backing, will love this high end audiophile release. Having a high quality home stereo is a requisite to enjoy its richness…
Ride Lonesome
Tracklist:
Side A:
Ride Lonesome
Run Away
In the Night
Failed Words
Bleed
Disappearing Act
For Your Love
Side B:
Slow Canyon
It Ends Right Here
Falling Through My Hands
If You Don’t Know What Love Is
Beyond the Light
-Review by Jeff Krow
