Third studio album from Los Angeles' Beck. One Foot In The Grave was originally recorded between October 1993 and January 1994 at Calvin Johnson's Dub Narcotic Studio in Olympia, WA. The album was released on Johnson's K Records and features production, songwriting and the occasional background vocal from him, as well. This is Beck at his most lo-fi and DIY. Less eclectic than Mellow Gold and Odelay, the album features a heavy folk influence. There are strains of blues, including a cover of Skip James' Delta Blues classic "He's a Mighty Good Leader." Released the same year as Odelay, One Foot In The Grave was sadly eclipsed by it. The album is a standout effort in its own right and this expanded reissue will help shine some much needed light on it. Thirty-two tracks in all. Released by Geffen Records on double vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve.

• double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Geffen Records 1994 / 2009

reviewed by harmy smarmy 05/2016