Review: Beck Releases Wonderful “Odds & Sods” Compilation, ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’

*Image taken from the internet and likely copyrighted

Funky troubadour and B&V favorite Beck has released what I can only describe as an “Odds & Sods” collection of previously released tracks under the title Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime. The album’s collection of songs, many of which are cover tunes, are songs that have been released as stray singles. However, he oddly didn’t include his recent wonderful Neil Young cover “Old Man” or the even better tune “Thinking About You,” which were songs he’d released as stand alone singles over the last few years.

I must admit I was tremendously excited when I heard Beck was releasing a new album. It’s been  almost seven years since his last studio album 2019’s Hyperspace came out. While I was disappointed with that one, and frankly I was also down on the predecessor, Colors, I’m still firmly on the Beck bandwagon. I was a little less excited when I heard it was a compilation of previously released stuff until I saw the track list. I was only familiar with two of the songs on this album. Now, I’m excited again.

Other than those previously mentioned singles, we haven’t heard much from Beck of late. I know he’s been touring – at some spots playing with local orchestras – but we only get a stray single every now and again and we need some new Beck. He did coproduce and perform on some tracks on Black Keys’ album Ohio Players, which I dug. While this isn’t exactly new, it’s a nice taste.

If we look at Beck’s career it’s a little like the aforementioned Neil Young, in that there’s an upbeat side (or in Young’s case a rocking side, usually with Crazy Horse) and a mellow, acoustic side. I was an early adopter on Beck. We all loved his first big hit, “Loser.” “I’m a winner… I’m a driver…” But when he put out Odelay I was blown away. It was like Dylan on ritalin for the 90s rock fans. The creative jump from his early stuff to Odelay was seemingly miraculous.

But Beck soon revealed his acoustic, folky side. My first taste was his ’94 album One Foot In The Grave that featured the great song “Asshole,” later ably covered by Tom Petty. I lived that song for a while… I also jumped in on his 1998 album Mutations which mysteriously disappeared with a girl I was dating. Maybe she was trying to “let me know (I’m) an asshole.”

While I’m still a huge fan of Beck’s upbeat side showcased on great albums like Guero (2005), The Information (2006) and Modern Guilt (2008) I’ve always loved the acoustic stuff, almost more. Sea Change (2002), Beck’s breakup album, is breathtaking in its beauty. I’ll never forget the lyric “Put your hands on the wheel, let the golden age begin,” spoken to a departing lover. The “sequel of sorts” was 2014’s Morning Phase, which the Rock Chick favors. Both are fabulous albums.

If you’re looking for the Beck who’s spitting out rhymes over funky beats, this new compilation album, Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime is not where you’re going to find it. While this is a collection of stray tracks recorded for various movies or other projects, these eight mostly acoustic tracks all hang together pretty well as an LP. And as I said, I had only heard two of these tracks prior. It feels like a new Beck acoustic album to me and it’s definitely worth a listen or two.

The album starts off with his great cover of the Korgi’s song “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime.” Beck recorded that for the Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. It’s dripping in sadness. Funereal keyboards laced with acoustic guitars, I liked it more than the movie. It captures the sad vibe perfectly. I actually downloaded this track… back in the Limewire days…I’ve always been an outlaw.

Then he goes back to 2017 for his cover of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” recorded for something called Resistance Radio. I have to tell you I love this song. While the protagonist professes his love, he does slip in a come on, “Should I stay, would it be a sin?” Smooth, Elvis, very smooth. Anyway Beck does a great, if a bit trippy, version of the song.

Next up is a cover of “I Only Have Eyes For You” originally done by the Flamingos. Beck recorded it in 2012 for some kind of museum exhibit so I don’t know if it’s ever been available. I was never a big fan of that doo-wop thing but Beck does a nice job on the track. He certainly hits the high notes on the chorus.

“Ramona,” one of the few originals, I believe was from the Scott Pilgrim Vs The World soundtrack. This track is a real highlight. I’m not sure why it didn’t get broader attention when it came out in 2012. It’s, like many of the tracks here, awash in strings and acoustic guitar. It could be my favorite track but then it’s brand new to me.

The next track was “Michelangelo Antonioni” was from a tribute album for Caetano Veloso who originally did the song. It’s a very stark tune, just Beck’s voice and guitar for a lot of it. It’s probably my least favorite song here.

Next up is the ol’ Hank Williams’ chest nut “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” Beck originally did a more trippy version of the song that was included on the great tribute album for Hank, Timeless. I like that trippy version, but this is definitely a different take on the song. This one is more straight forward and sounds like Beck sitting on the front porch strumming an acoustic guitar. It almost gives me demo vibes, but I like it. I mean, who doesn’t like a Hank Williams cover?

Beck then does a John Lennon cover, “Love,” originally done by John on The Plastic Ono Band album. The track was a lighter moment on a very aggressive album. Beck covered the song for… gads… a Starbucks compilation of Lennon covers. Sigh. The track starts with a piano but quickly yields to acoustic guitar. Beck’s performance is very devoted to the original but he puts his own stamp on it. I really dug this cover.

Beck returns to the subject of love with a cover of Daniel Johnston’s “True Love Will Find You In The End,” which was originally from another tribute album. While Beck’s acoustic stuff can be on the melancholy side, this little track is more uplifting. There’s always hope. I like the lyric, “‘Cause true love is searching too, And how can it recognize you unless you step out into the light?…” True words…

Beck, in my opinion at least, is way overdue for a new record. This is however, a nice little addition to the Beck catalog. Maybe you’re familiar with some of these tunes but like I mentioned this was all pretty new to me. It comes out tomorrow on red vinyl… hmmm, I see a trip down to the record store in my future tomorrow… slip away from the Rock Chick for a bit…

This is a great record with some great rare tracks on it. I advise everyone to put this on… maybe not on Valentine’s Day. You can always put on our playlist, Non Mushy Songs About Hearts. That might be a better move. Grab a little joy in these otherwise darkening times.

Cheers!