After nearly a decade away from solo recording, Beck returned in 1999 with Who Else!, an album that boldly embraced electronica and modern production while retaining his unmistakable touch. Teaming up with guitarist Jennifer Batten, known for her lead work with Michael Jackson, Beck found a creative partner capable of matching his adventurous spirit.
To bring this material to life, Beck embarked on an eight-date tour of Japan in May and June 1999, performing alongside Batten on guitar, Randy Hope-Taylor on bass and Steve Alexander on drums. Each night the band delivered a compelling mix of new compositions and reimagined classics, reaffirming Beck’s reputation as a performer whose technical skill was matched by constant inventiveness.
The concert at the Tokyo Kokusai Forum on 2 June 1999 captures Beck and his band in remarkable form. From the opening note, the interplay between Beck and Batten is both fluid and charged, while the rhythm section propels the music with subtle power and precision.
1 What Mama Said 3:43
2 Psycho Sam 4:46
3 Star Cycle 4:06
4 Savoy 4:15
5 Blast From The East 4:45
6 A Day In The Life 5:18
7 Declan 3:46
8 THX138 6:20
9 The Pump 5:56
10 Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers 4:39
11 Space For The Papa 6:14
12 Angel (Footsteps) 6:10
13 Even Odds/You Never Know 9:47
14 Blue Wind 5:22
15 Big Block 6:58