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Beck — Cold Brains
Album: Mutations
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 936









Released: 1998
Length: 3:35
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Cold brains, unmoved
Untouched, unglued
Alone at last
No thoughts, no mind
To rot behind
A trail of disasters

A final curse
Abandoned hearse
We ride disowned
Corroded to the bone

The fields of green
Are bent, obscene
I lay upon the gravel
A worm of hope
A hangman's rope
Pulls me one way or the other

A final curse
Abandoned hearse
We write this song
Corroded to the bone

A bird of song
Is heard no longer
In the evacuated heavens
The drain is drawn
And drained and gone
And on and on, it doesn't matter

A final curse
Abandoned hearse
We rock the salt
Corroded to the bone
Comments (95)add comment
 chrisross wrote:

Wow, shoot me now.  Depressing tune, depressing lyrics, depressing voice.  



Yeah this is feeling really tired today...
Posted 4 months ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Not really; Mark Oliver Everett's first major-label album was released in 1992, Beck's first album was 1993.  Also, Everett was born about seven years earlier than Beck Hansen.



Here's a relevant (maybe not?) excerpt from a Rolling Stone interview of E. 

"Flyswatter" is a sympathetic song about mice. What brought that on? 

I moved into this house and I had these mice down in the ghetto part of my basement, and they looked horrible, very hungry. I thought, "What an awful life." The relentlessness of the world became very apparent to me, and I thought, "Man, if these mice can't get a break, what makes me think I'm going to be spared?" It just came out of that –– another happy little ditty.

Did you do anything to make them more comfortable? 

Yeah, my cat ate them. Just to really drill the lesson home.

Was this Beck's old house? 

Now where did you hear this?

Just around. Is it not true? 

It's true, but I just wonder how that came around, because I've been living in that house for two years and I never mentioned that. He's got a bigger house now, as he deserves. So, yeah, they were Beck's old mice.

Read more: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/e-of-the-eels-20000525#ixzz3dRCg5Z9T 
Posted 9 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 ppopp wrote:
Please lighten-up on how much Beck you play. I don't wanna get sick of his music.

 
Like that's a concern at RP.  An impressive amount of logical inconsistencies packed into a a single comment line there.
Posted 10 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Wow, shoot me now.  Depressing tune, depressing lyrics, depressing voice.  
Posted 10 years ago by chrisross    [ Reply ]
 FluorideFreeMN wrote:
I think Beck has been around long enough to change the Eel's diapers!
 
Not really; Mark Oliver Everett's first major-label album was released in 1992, Beck's first album was 1993.  Also, Everett was born about seven years earlier than Beck Hansen.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 cherjr wrote:
I was wondering - was it new Eels track?.. nope.

 
I think Beck has been around long enough to change the Eel's diapers!
Posted 10 years ago by FluorideFreeMN    [ Reply ]
 Krimptastic wrote:
Yes, that T-shirt is rather repulsive.  Is he wearing a plastic bag over it?


 
"Repulsive"?  It looks like a pretty ordinary, v-neck t-shirt, and he apparently has a piece of cellophane or other sort of plastic wrap draped over his left shoulder.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Please lighten-up on how much Beck you play. I don't wanna get sick of his music.
Posted 11 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
Beck is the greatest fraud ever perpetrated on the American public.  Oh wait, that's Scientology.  Saw The Master last night. 

 
It's not really that clever to judge someone on their belief system, rather judge them on their achievements. 

You may not agree with scientology - I don't either - it gives me the creeps - but I think Beck's music is just incredible.

There's been artists whose personal beliefs and actions have been downright terrible, but it doesn't detract from their talent - hell, sometimes it enhances the creative output. 

I encourage you to consider this, as your missing a great deal by making the decision that Beck's music is fraud. Clearly it's not. It's original, talented, whimsical, thoughtful and thought provoking.

 
Posted 11 years ago by bb_matt    [ Reply ]
 Lazarus wrote:

This song is better than pickles and cheese...
 

 
Everyone in your church loves pickles and cheese.
Posted 11 years ago by bb_matt    [ Reply ]

This song is better than pickles and cheese...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Beck is the greatest fraud ever perpetrated on the American public.  Oh wait, that's Scientology.  Saw The Master last night. 
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
My CD has a huge cut in it and won't play this song. {#Cry}
Posted 12 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]

Posted 12 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
SCIENTOLOGIST!!!!!!!!!!!
 
While my person opinion of Scientolgists is that they are a bunch of rich whack nuts, that does not mean that they are not good at what they do.  Beck can make some great music, John Travolta is a good actor (most of the time), and Lisa Marie Prestley is good at whatever she does...  at least I think so, last I heard she was only famous for a bad song and marrying Michael Jackson.

Interesting link...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Scientologists

Stupid linking not working in Firefox...

Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
Yes, that T-shirt is rather repulsive.  Is he wearing a plastic bag over it?

Posted 13 years ago by Krimptastic    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
SCIENTOLOGIST!!!!!!!!!!!
 
...and a genius musician. 9.
Posted 13 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
SCIENTOLOGIST!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Hey! Hey! If it's good enough for T. Cruise Mapother IV, then it's good enough for all you pre-clears:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFBZ_uAbxS0

Tom Cruise laughing like a jackass...

Hee-haw!

Posted 13 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
SCIENTOLOGIST!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
I was wondering - was it new Eels track?.. nope.
Posted 13 years ago by cherjr    [ Reply ]
 jersey_birdman wrote:
More Beck is better
.
  

Agreed....
Posted 13 years ago by FluorideFreeMN    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:
everything is perfect about this...except for the shirt he is wearing on the album.
 
He seems to be wrapped in that crinkly plastic that bakeries put around their cookie platters.
Posted 13 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
everything is perfect about this...except for the shirt he is wearing on the album.
Posted 13 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
Why do I want to remember "Mexicans" on Harmonicas?  I think it was a party in Montecito...  I don't  remember...  I'm pretty sure that It was a really cool party!  LOL F'n awsome, either way...
Posted 14 years ago by Gatlinburger    [ Reply ]
More Beck is better; bumper stickers should be issued.

A must see live artist....

{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by jersey_birdman    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite songs from my favorite Beck album. Lovely music, lovely lyrics.
Posted 14 years ago by Palaverist    [ Reply ]
Death by harmonica - what a shitty way to go.
Posted 14 years ago by Akaiila    [ Reply ]
 mooseisadick wrote:
This is awful. Beck, look up melody in the dictionary.
 

No, it is the dictionary that needs to look up Beck.{#Yes}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Harmonica ALMOST as bad as Bob Dylan, he must be a genius.
Posted 14 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
 mooseisadick wrote:
This is awful. Beck, look up melody in the dictionary.
 
{#Eek} ?

Posted 15 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
I think he might have been better off with four pieces of smart balance toast with a glass of whiskey first.
Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Cold Brains . . . in the "frozen zombie treats" section of your local supermarket!

{#Cheesygrin}
Posted 16 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Didn't know of the Scientology thing with Beck until reading these comments. Sure puts a different spin on my opinion of him; might explain his quirkiness of song-writing? Just asking. He's certainly out there. Though "Where It's At" doesn't exactly ooze Scientology, does it?
Posted 16 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
horstman wrote:
Don't judge. I like the guy's music. Whatever his personal interests are are his business. "I really like Horstman, but he's a Lutheran! What a shame, now I don't want anything to do with him!". Imagine, a Lutheran!!!
I agree with EssexTex on this one..what a bunch of loons. A freind of mine joined em and turned his back on his whole family because they did'nt feel the same way and join...It's not a religion it's a cult!
Posted 16 years ago by SoCo    [ Reply ]
horstman wrote:
Don't judge. I like the guy's music. Whatever his personal interests are are his business. "I really like Horstman, but he's a Lutheran! What a shame, now I don't want anything to do with him!". Imagine, a Lutheran!!!
It's a creepy cult and needs outing, I personaly know people who's lives have been ruined through it. He's a public figure so he's open to comments such as this.
Posted 16 years ago by Jakeethan    [ Reply ]
EssexTex wrote:
One of Ron Hubbards followers...such a shame so much talent...and yet he swallows that whole Scientology fairy tale
Don't judge. I like the guy's music. Whatever his personal interests are are his business. "I really like Horstman, but he's a Lutheran! What a shame, now I don't want anything to do with him!". Imagine, a Lutheran!!!
Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
shanester wrote:
I used to live in Clearwater, FL, the "Mecca" or "Vatican City" of Scientology. All of the STs that I've known were nice, but I did make a delivery to the HQ office (the old Fort Harrison Hotel) and went up a couple of floors. Weird.... Coupla comatose looking people sitting cross-legged waiting outside doors with Naval insignia plaques on the front. Like a dressed up psych ward. Just freakin' creepy. Then again, they help take care of little Clearwater (friggin' awesome beach!), so I have mixed emotions. It's like seeing all those Mormon teenagers on bikes trolling through your neighborhood. Sure, they're annoying, but they do no harm and keep the place clean. Still.... weird. They seem harmless, but you always wonder.
Just look at Tom and Katie...he's gone crazy and she's a kind of "Stepford Wife"...any religion that gains such a strong hold of people and turns them against their parents, who brought them into the world is a bad thing. Your family is the most important thing you have and if you are blessed with a loving caring family they must rate higher than a cult that just wants your money.
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
EssexTex wrote:
One of Ron Hubbards followers...such a shame so much talent...and yet he swallows that whole Scientology fairy tale
I used to live in Clearwater, FL, the "Mecca" or "Vatican City" of Scientology. All of the STs that I've known were nice, but I did make a delivery to the HQ office (the old Fort Harrison Hotel) and went up a couple of floors. Weird.... Coupla comatose looking people sitting cross-legged waiting outside doors with Naval insignia plaques on the front. Like a dressed up psych ward. Just freakin' creepy. Then again, they help take care of little Clearwater (friggin' awesome beach!), so I have mixed emotions. It's like seeing all those Mormon teenagers on bikes trolling through your neighborhood. Sure, they're annoying, but they do no harm and keep the place clean. Still.... weird. They seem harmless, but you always wonder.
Posted 16 years ago by shanester    [ Reply ]
Mislaid my CD of this several years back. Someone at work was playing it a couple weeks ago and I was reminded how much I'd liked parts of it. It's one of those I want to find again so I can put several of the tracks into my MP3 mix.
Posted 16 years ago by miraclo    [ Reply ]
One of Ron Hubbards followers...such a shame so much talent...and yet he swallows that whole Scientology fairy tale
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Fingernails on a blackboard sound better than this....
Posted 16 years ago by 25demayo    [ Reply ]
This song is so cool...almost makes me miss those RORER 714's.
Posted 16 years ago by krich58    [ Reply ]
'Twas then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man Came singing songs of love, Then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man Came singing songs of love.
Posted 17 years ago by rtkmusic    [ Reply ]
eastcoast wrote:
vocals and harmonica playing leave alot to be desired
Presently taking bids on the "Lot To Be Desired". To register interest please call +61 409 297 560.
Posted 17 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
FilmSurgeon wrote:
Don't pull 'em! What would you gnash the next time Beck comes on?
Posted 17 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
timothyconnor wrote:
Why does the RP playlist sometimes make me feel like pulling out my teeth? Yes, you, Mr. Beck-
Don't pull 'em! What would you gnash the next time Beck comes on?
Posted 17 years ago by FilmSurgeon    [ Reply ]
vocals and harmonica playing leave alot to be desired
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
jkamm14 wrote:
It's funny how Beck's canon of songs are pretty much all over the place, and he's matured into a much more talented a musician/songwriter than I thought he'd be after first hearing "Loser". "Sea Change" is like the best melancholy moments from "Mutations" distilled and focused. Excellent disc.
He's brilliant, challenging, and diverse.
Posted 17 years ago by azdcryan    [ Reply ]
Why does the RP playlist sometimes make me feel like pulling out my teeth? Yes, you, Mr. Beck-
Posted 17 years ago by timothyconnor    [ Reply ]
This is awful. Beck, look up melody in the dictionary.
Posted 18 years ago by mooseisadick    [ Reply ]
I just can't stand mellow Beck. Great wrist-slitting music, if you're into that...
Posted 18 years ago by Shaken_Bake    [ Reply ]
I must say this is quite engaging.
Posted 18 years ago by fuh2    [ Reply ]
Great set... 9:33 am - Beck - Cold Brains 9:28 am - Uncle Tupelo - Anodyne 9:26 am - The Byrds - Mr. Tambourine Man 9:22 am - The Raconteurs - Steady As She Goes 9:19 am - Johnny Cash - Get Rhythm 9:15 am - Matt Pond PA - New Hampshire 9:12 am - Iron & Wine - Naked As We Came OOPS! 9:36 am - Bebel Gilberto - So Nice (Summer Samba)
Posted 18 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
algrif wrote:
Wow. Sounds like Neil Young on a bad day (Does he ever have any good ones?..) A solid 3 dropped down to 2 for the dreadful harp.
???? Are you listening to the same song we are?
Posted 18 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
sounds like neil young.....is it?
Posted 18 years ago by j-mccull    [ Reply ]
love him. my favorite freak.
Posted 18 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
Awesome album, a toss up between Sea Change for my favorite.
Posted 18 years ago by grassfolk420    [ Reply ]
My favourite Beck album as well, but never seems to get the plaudits. Quiet Beck fans tend to prefer Sea Change, Funky Beck fans prefer Midnite Vultures and Rockin' Beck fans tend to prefer earlier stuff. But this stirs my marmalade to perfection.
Posted 18 years ago by tiddalick    [ Reply ]
Wow. Sounds like Neil Young on a bad day (Does he ever have any good ones?..) A solid 3 dropped down to 2 for the dreadful harp.
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
I CANT BELIEVE THIS, CAETANO VELOSO + BECK : MUTATIONS, THE COLORFUL ALBUM FROM THE NEWFOLK STAR
Posted 18 years ago by fantomas    [ Reply ]
this cd never gets old, always a great, laid back listen.
Posted 18 years ago by Kregg    [ Reply ]
9
Posted 18 years ago by nausicaa    [ Reply ]
"Sea Change" is like the best melancholy moments from "Mutations" distilled and focused. Excellent disc.
Well put. Sea Change is the most beautiful melancholy.
Posted 18 years ago by meadowwoods    [ Reply ]
Beck. Mmm. As usual, a fantastic musical composition all around. But touched by an ironic detachement, lacking in visceral soul. Always interesting, usually good, but never truly great.
Posted 18 years ago by KohlDaddy    [ Reply ]
my favorite Beck album 8)
Posted 19 years ago by yashpheh    [ Reply ]
It's funny how Beck's canon of songs are pretty much all over the place, and he's matured into a much more talented a musician/songwriter than I thought he'd be after first hearing "Loser". "Sea Change" is like the best melancholy moments from "Mutations" distilled and focused. Excellent disc.
Posted 19 years ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
ANNE_MARIE wrote:
so do i....isn't that line in reference to GMO's in today's farming practices?
don't read too much into it. it's evocative, not implicit.
Posted 19 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
BooKitty wrote:
....the fields of green are bent obscene......I LOVE that line!
Um, I think it's The fields of green are *banned*, obscene I lay upon the gravel. As in, "keep off the grass..."
Posted 19 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
jazzface78 wrote:
beck = best have you ever noticed how similar Beck is to Bach if you havent checked out Sea Change yet, you havent really lived
Yeah, it's like an "a" and an "h"...
Posted 20 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
:sunny.gif: love mutations
Posted 20 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
beck = best have you ever noticed how similar Beck is to Bach if you havent checked out Sea Change yet, you havent really lived
Posted 20 years ago by jazzface78    [ Reply ]
heyho wrote:
One of the few young talents that can actually write an interesting lyric. Love Beck...
check out beta band...!
Posted 20 years ago by dissen    [ Reply ]
One of the few young talents that can actually write an interesting lyric. Love Beck...
Posted 20 years ago by heyho    [ Reply ]
....the fields of green are bent obscene......I LOVE that line!
Posted 20 years ago by BooKitty    [ Reply ]
geavis wrote:
That's exactly why I DON'T like his music.
he's a pop-culture garbage disposal. that's exactly why I DO like his music!
Posted 20 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
my favorite musician of all times. he's my hero.
Posted 20 years ago by bburg    [ Reply ]
shari wrote:
I think you put your finger on it right there. That is the real genius of Beck -- just amazing! --Shari
That's exactly why I DON'T like his music.
Posted 20 years ago by geavis    [ Reply ]
Awesome. Saw Beck perform this one live and acoustic last year and I was in heaven. He's an amazing talent.
Posted 21 years ago by ireneect    [ Reply ]
bluebulb wrote:
I can't put my finger on what makes Beck's Mutations album so damn good... It's as if he listened to all the greats (Beatles, Stones, Doors, et al) , let it all brew in his mind and then sat down and wrote some of the most thoughtfully crafted music. He is nothing short of a modern classic.
I think you put your finger on it right there. That is the real genius of Beck -- just amazing! --Shari
Posted 21 years ago by shari    [ Reply ]
Wow.. Beck has such a range. I thought this was Pavement at first.
Posted 22 years ago by phiagurl    [ Reply ]
Just one word... Beck is amazing... Wait, that is 3. Oh well, just play more!
Posted 22 years ago by Ferret    [ Reply ]
First time hearing this and it sounded a lot like Hurdy Gurdy by Donovan at first :) Nice track, I\'ll have to investigate Beck\'s music more.
Posted 22 years ago by BoguSoft    [ Reply ]
I love the beer and love the artist Beck - and cold one and a hot one !
Posted 22 years ago by dcdude    [ Reply ]
I can\'t put my finger on what makes Beck\'s Mutations album so damn good... It\'s as if he listened to all the greats (Beatles, Stones, Doors, et al) , let it all brew in his mind and then sat down and wrote some of the most thoughtfully crafted music. He is nothing short of a modern classic.
Posted 22 years ago by bluebulb    [ Reply ]
Things seem to happen real fast with Beck. I mean, he\'s so early in his carreer and people already start calling him a caricature of himself! That took Mick Jagger about 20 years! :p
Posted 22 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Young musical genius. Very diverse styles. Perfect fit for RP.
Posted 22 years ago by skinnyo    [ Reply ]