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Title: majesty in the struggle with loss and isolation
Review: Beck intentionally, and I think bravely, made a full album with not a single rollicking piece in it to break or artificially lighten the mood. A true artist, Beck finds dignity, triumph and majesty in the struggle with loss and isolation. "Sunday Sun," "The Golden Age," and especially the masterful channeling of Nick Drake in "Round the Bend"--imagine ND in the studio with the later Pink Floyd--brilliantly explore personal desolation without in any way becoming maudlin or morose. It's always gratifying when a great artist proves his or her greatness in creativity and honesty ("Guess I'm Doing Fine" and the astounding "Little One"), and not just cleverness in marketing.
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