Beck’s last album was presented as sheet music which the purchaser was invited to play themselves. Thankfully, this time around Mr. Hansen has seen fit to get his arse into the studio. And a good thing too; Morning Phase is a lush, reflective, melancholic triumph, sure to please fans who put Sea Change at the top of their list of faves by this often mercurial artist. Recorded in part in L.A.’s iconic Capitol studios, tracks like Wave and recent single Blue Moon help make Beck’s first studio offering in six years undoubtedly one of his best. Mellow gold, indeed.

Paul McLoone