Notes:
This was a benefit concert for a local Silverlake artist, Justine Tillman (the show was credited as Just 'Cuz: A Benefit for a Just Cause). Beck at this point was pretty famous and of course headlined, but there were 11 other local Silverlake bands (many with ties to Beck, of course).
This odd set is one of my favorites. Cool recording, fun performance. The audience keeps talking to Beck too, and you can hear them on the recording, which is kind of weird.
Beck starts out by saying "this song is called... uh... I don't remember what it's called." Then he plays "Puttin It Down." (Someone in the audience--before it even begins--suggests it's called "Recylable Pillow.")
Beck then tells the crowd that there's a rumor he doesn't write his own songs, and yes, it's true. "Sticks And Stones" (only live performance we know about) was written by Bjork. A somewhat rare live "Painted Eyelids" was introduced as by Carol Bayer Sager. "Pay No Mind" was written by Beck's good friend, Hootie. ("I couldn't give a fuck about the Blowfish, but I love Hootie!") Ozzy wrote "Alcohol."
Beck then admits he's uneasy about what's next. "It could be a disaster." "Who is down with the slow jams? Steve Moramarco is! This straight up soul for real, Jodeci." He then busts the first live version of "Debra," a falsetto + drum machine jam (no other instruments). Beck introduces it as "I Wanna Get With You (And Your Sister, Debra)." FANTASTIC. I can't imagine Beck would realize this would become one of his classics.
After that little diversion, Beck returned to the folk songs, playing a lovely early version of "Dead Melodies," with some different words.
Finally he closes down with the George Michael-penned "One Foot In The Grave," a rowdy ending to a now-classic show.
[
people and bands]
Drum Machine: Beck Hansen
Guitar (Acoustic): Beck Hansen
Harmonica: Beck Hansen
Other Band: 10 Cent, Dashboard Prophets, Drill Team, Flourescein, Further, Glue, Lifter, Lutefisk, Old Hickory, Space Twins, Xtra Fancy
Vocals: Beck Hansen