Constantly "hijacking our equillibriums", Beck strikes again. But he's got a big wall to knock down, as he's "officially following up" his monster album Odelay (Mutations received little to no claim, as it was in courts constantly). Midnite Vultures is pure Beck, as the opening track "Sexx Laws" (that's right, two words, not one) immediately lets you know. However, a strange thing happened on the way to the recording studio. Writing for the album proved to be relatively easier than usual, as most songs were simply combinations of previously unreleased tracks. The bombastic "Nicotine & Gravy" is just one of those, as is "Milk & Honey" and "Peaches & Cream".

Speaking of "Nicotine & Gravy", it also stands as one of the many tracks appearing on the album that have a very breakdance-friendly beat. The group of songs, including "Hollywood Freaks", "Mixed Bizness", and "Pressure Zone", further solidifies that the boy's funk-ay.

As with all albums, however, there are those points that just don't sit well with you. For me, "Mixed Business" and "Get Real Paid" are those points. "Mixed Business" never really blends in together real well, while to be honest, the music to "Get Real Paid" sounds like background music for a Game Boy game. But neither song is so bad that it should keep you away from the album, as both tracks will, in true Beck fashion, get you moving.

I have to say one of the most underrated and underplayed artists in music is none other than Beth Orton (please check out her recent efforts, including "Stolen Car"). Almost as if he's reading my mind, she appears and does a duet with our hero on "Beautiful Way", in which the intro (sounding like it was recorded inside a warehouse) gives way to a melodic, yet playful, piano/electronic rhythm. The best way to describe it is as a more playful version of "Nobody's Fault But My Own", with more than a hint of country.

Meanwhile, "Peaches & Cream" sounds suspiciously like Beck's pulling off a 70s porn song. Wait a sec....bad choice of words :) But hey, "We're on the good ship menage'a'toi"? You tell me that's not bon-a-fide porn music!

Moving on (ahem...), Beck doesn't stray away from his rock ways, as shown in songs that the Red Hot Chili Peppers would be proud of, like "Broken Train". Another rockin' tune emanates from "Milk & Honey", one of the two-in-one songs. The song, however, may draw a little too much from Odelay's "Novacane" for some listeners.

And that brings us to the end of the album. None other than "Debra" herself. In what I have to say is a hilarious Marvin Gaye likeness, the song pays homage to all of our favorite soul songs. But give it credit, the song's just goofy enough to get you swinging...that is, if you can keep from busting out laughing at the chorus, which is the famous line "I wanna get with you/And your sister/I think her name's Debra". Also in true Beck fashion, there's a hidden track a little while after "Debra", but I'm not going to be one to spoil the surprise. Just be ready to wait a while, and to get a fitting...yet not-so-fitting end to the album.

Overall, the album is average to me. If you're a fan of Beck's funky side, then it's definitely a must-have, as the entire album has a more than noticeable dose of booty-movin' beats to keep you going. However, if you're one of the people that still state "Loser" is the best he can do, stay away from Midnite Vultures.