How the WORST RAPPER EVER Created the BEST ROCK Song of his Time! | Professor of Rock

Coming up, the story of an unlucky artist that bootstrapped from coast to coast trying to get his big break. “Ironically, his breakthrough hit came from a spontaneous outburst that he shouted because he was so embarrassed by his voice so he DISSED on himself as a joke and the diss became a Mantra for a generation. The song transformed the artist from a struggling wanderer into a sensation with its self-deprecating lyrics and wild, erratic energy. We’re gonna kill the headlights and put it in neutral… NEXT on Professor of Rock
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember the rock cards or super star music cards… ya know baseball cards for rockers you’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below right now and click the bell so you always know when our latest interviews drop. .We also have a patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
I’d like to start this episode by telling you a story…In the time of chimpanzees… I was a monkey Butane in my veins, and I'm out to cut the junkie With the plastic eyeballs…spray-paint the vegetables Dog food stalls with… the beefcake pantyhose Wait…..what did I just say??? Of course I can’t take credit for that bizarre passage. Those words were written as song lyrics by Beck David Hansen, the artist simply known as “BECK” in his breakout hit “Loser:” How he came up with this classic song is insane…
“Loser’ was the culmination of years of improv performances, and D.I.Y. recordings by Beck. The rocky journey that led him to the day he collaborated with Carl Stephenson to record “Loser” included years of moving baaack… and forth… across the country. Along the way, he was often homeless, ignored, and broke- working jobs that paid him less than minimum wage.
Feeling like "a total outcast", Beck dropped out of school after junior high. He later said that although he felt school was important, he felt unsafe there. When he applied to the new performing arts high school in downtown LA, he was denied. His brother took him to post-Beat jazz places in Echo Park and Silver Lake. He hung out at at LA City College perusing records, books, and old sheet music in the college's library. He also had a natural street-wise ingenuity that helped him get into places he wasn’t authorized to be, such as using a Fake ID to sit in on classes at LA City College, and he also befriended a literature instructor and his poet wife, under false pretenses.
He worked a string of menial jobs, including loading distributor trucks and operating a leaf blower. In ’89, with just $8 bucks and a beat up guitar, Beck embarked on a journey to New York City. Despite his efforts to secure a job and some kind of housing, he struggled to find success. However, his fortunes changed when he discovered Manhattan's Lower East Side and stumbled upon the tail end of the East Village's anti-folk scene's first wave. Immersing himself in this vibrant community, Beck became part of a group of acoustic musicians led by Roger Manning, which included

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who is your pick for the MOST VERSATILE Artist or Band of the Rock era?

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

I’d have to go with Prince 💜🖖🏼

[@peterd.9978]

The Beatles - Band Madonna - Artist

[@thetitleisours1]

The first that comes to mind is Peter Gabriel. He has done progressive, world music, and electronica. Almost forgot about Steve Wilson of Porcupine Tree

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

The Fab Four

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Without a doubt: Elvis Costello. Pop, punk, New Wave, Rock, songs with Bacharach, Country

[@MrSeabad]

I was at the ACL festival and my BFF was a sound engineer got me a backstage pass. As I sat on a bench in the food court minding my own this character of a guy sits next to me wearing a bath robe, asks what I do for a living then hands me a beer from his robe pocket. Minutes into our conversation he introduces himself as Beck. Nicest cat I ever met, peculiar fella but genuine nonetheless. So glad he made the big time.

[@scottgidley1356]

I tell this story all the time. Back when karaoke first started gaining popularity, I went to a bar that was using Pioneer laser discs because they had commissioned a series of individual videos for each song. One night, I decided to sing "Loser". The Spanish lyrics are "Soy un perdedor" which translates to "I'm a loser" but the person who transcribed the lyrics for Pioneer either didn't speak Spanish or spoke it poorly and it became one of my favorite misheard lyrics of all time. The transcribed lyrics on the screen read, "Soy un tenedor" which translates to "I'm a fork."

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! Thanks for sharing! Awesome!

[@kelf114]

😄😄

[@charlesedward5047]

Hahaha...love it!

[@HeritageWealthPlanning]

That is funny as hell

[@kevintaylor-fj3ox]

That might have been done on purpose because of copyright issues. Karaoke lyrics are never 100% accurate. I will be 60 in two weeks and I remember the Pioneer laser karaoke disc well. Those took up a lot of space!!!

[@VictorLonmo]

In a world of endlessly being told to believe in yourself and your dreams this song is refreshing. I think it resonates with people because at some point it is not uncommon to feel like a loser. Ask someone out and they say no. Struggling to find a job... This song lets you know that when you feel this way you are not alone and I think that is why it works. The only unambiguous lyric is: "I'm a loser baby.... " This song is absolutely ridiculous but it is fabulous.

[@DC8091]

“Crazy With The Cheese Wiz” is one of the best lines EVER🤣🤣. Beck freakin rules! Few made unconventional, outta the box vocals & musics into pure genius like he did!! Never knew his history was that complex & bad ass!!🤘 (love the shirt Prof! I’m wearin 2112 as we speak 🤘)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome! Ya Beck is amazing. What else would you like to see me cover from him?

[@DC8091]

@@ProfessorofRockwell the obvious is New Pollution, while a bit overplayed, it’s musically more sophisticated than Loser

[@DC8091]

@@FreiherrDinkelackeryep, my Mom is still afraid Frank Zappas guitar is gonna kill her 🤣. He was sure as hell a great one!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks! Will do!@@DC8091

[@sharonmattox]

Hahaha yeah a coworker of mine pointed out that line to me, it was his favourite line too. 🤣

[@oriolesandravens]

Back in 1992/3/4 era I was midnight DJ and Music Director for a mid-level Country radio station on the east coast. We were doing a live broadcast in Delaware, when the station lost power and we were without sound. The alternative station from Atlantic City bled over our airwaves. They started playing Loser, and four Country DJs/Engineers were out in front of the radio station table dancing to Beck. Just another unforgettable moment from my days in local radio.

[@user-rl9yl2tr4n]

You skipped over the part that his parents were a huge part of the start of punk rock on the west coast. Becks parents owned one of the first punk rock clubs called "The Masque" down in L.A.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

I've always been fascinated with Beck, but never took the time to learn much about him. Thanks Prof, I've learned much today.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Glad to hear that!

[@originalotto7126]

​@@ProfessorofRockGreat channel bloke 👍

[@vinylmandate]

He's also a scientologist. Which is the most disappointing fact I learned.

[@glennabaker3922]

To each his own!!!!

[@stinkypinkeee5085]

"Mellow Gold" was the salve Gen X needed after we lost Kurdt...at least, it's what I needed...

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Definitely.

[@BridgetStuart]

me too

[@flossy7258]

All l needed was Layne Staley 🐐

[@FLOWER6669]

Guess that's one thing Xers and milly's can agree on.

[@christineml1476]

I've always loved the way Beck sings "Loser" - he doesn't care what you think of him and he'll flip you the bird while he's walking away.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha! So true!

[@dicedrice7216]

The way he sang "loser" always came across to me as he was frustrated with himself, and not that he had any genuine hostility toward himself. I always found that very relatable.

[@paulmorvantjr.8072]

I love Beck. So versatile, and he rocks!​@@dicedrice7216

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love his attitude!

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

Prof, I haven't seen a story about the wonderful Van Morrison. Do you have one?

[@toxicmule]

"Savin' all your food stamps and burnin' down the trailer park" has to be one of the relatable sentences to anyone who has had to deal with using the old paper food stamps back in the day. The looks one used to get when those things were pulled out is one I wouldn't wish on anyone, especially a child. Felt like everyone was judging a loser.

[@venomenace]

I remember my folks pulling out the little book they came in and trying to find the right colors to pull out to match the price and yes the condescendence from the people behind us in line is something I'll always remember.

[@justinskullhead]

My mom used to make us kids go into the store and buy the cheapest thing, because back then, they would give cash back...which she would then use to fill up her gas tank

[@rudyardganuelas6254]

don't sweat it. i can't imagine that being worse than someone chitchatting the cashier for every item... then at the end, pulls out a fucking checkbook... in 2024. checkbook

[@misstessamarie21]

I always remember seeing him on Austin City Limits years ago and thought it was so cool how he would dance with his band and climb up on speakers.. ALWAYS have liked him. And have always respected him as a musician and artist. He is never afraid to try something different and to grow as an artist. ❤ Great video! ❤ Many thanks! Always loving the behind the scene details!

[@Robbyrool]

I love Beck! He’s one of my all time favorites! I think he’s one of the most talented, genius music makers. He makes such a wide variety of music across many genres. Even mixes multiple genres such as rap, rock, country, and disco within one song, and somehow makes it sound awesome. He’s a multi instrumentalist. Like anyone, not all his songs are good imo. But you could fill several albums with his good to great songs. I think in the future he will be regarded as way ahead of his time and very influential in the direction of musical style.

[@spineless1]

I saw Beck at the OK Hotel in Seattle when Loser had just gained traction. No one knew what he looked like. Every time one of the opening acts came up, the crowd would ask if they were Beck. Chris Ballew was one of those opening acts. He had an amazing song about living on a commune in Oregon. IIRC, it was hilarious. Chris Ballew later went on to play in Beck’s live band which I happened to see at Lollapalooza. Beck definitely has an Andy Kaufman streak to him. It’s great!

[@bobboy5508]

Holy shit, now the song makes sense. I played this for my dad and told him. What the hell did he say? But this became a huge song. I told him it reminds me of a Beatles song that doesn’t make sense. Come Together. In the Beatles song are just lyrics that really make no sense. I thought this Beck song was like a homage to that Beatles song. Think about the Beatles song “He wear no shoeshine, he got toe jam football. He got monkey finger. He shoot Coca Cola, he say I know you and you know me”. Parallels seem evident. But Loser was my song when it came out. Beck nailed something. The voice of our generation. Not making sense but making perfect sense. Then he followed it up.

[@thatonedude1003]

Beck is in the same capsule as Radiohead and Silverchair. All of them wrote music that they felt in the moment…and then evolved their output as their own styles and tastes changed. These guys are in a very special grouping in my own opinion: always top notch songs and albums, but never identical to the previous release. Great video as always my dude!!

[@christophervincent8420]

"Life is like a piece of wax, falling on a termite that's choking on the splinters." LOL actually a great analogy.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!

[@troyhonda71]

Always liked that line too

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such a genius line.

[@christophervincent8420]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 agreed.

[@Tony8418]

I’ve been trying to analyze that line since I was 10. I have a degree in English Literature, and have stumbled across some strange things, but THIS is equal parts deep, vague, relatable, and absurd… favorite line in the song (get crazy with the cheese whiz is a close second)

[@ToxicSpork]

I was a senior in high school when this song was popular. In English class, we had an assignment to come up with a poem. This one dude in class pretty much just copied the lyrics to Loser and turned it in for his assignment, thinking the teacher wouldn't catch on. Unfortunately, our English teacher was a little more in tune with current pop music at the time and gave him an "F"

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! That's a funny story! Thanks for sharing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Oh no! 😆

[@r.w.bottorff7735]

Mellow Gold is a masterpiece, one of the touchstones of my young musical life.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed!

[@sleepyhollow783]

It is a song so terrible it comes up the other end into hilarious brilliance. It goes south so far, it then goes north after passing the southern pole. A very relatable song. Talk about lightning in a bottle.

[@tnrodgers]

His determination is next level, seems like he just needed someone to believe in him. The opening slide guitar and beat drive this song, the eclectic lyrics speak to the writers background. Kinda reminds me of Cake. Good stuff Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@ueno1]

If I ever have a sitcom starring me, this will be the theme song. 😂

[@bradh6185]

Devil's Haircut, New Pollution, and Girl. A few of my favorite Beck songs.

[@DaveTex2375]

The first time i remember hearing this song was after a generally crummy day. I parked my truck and didn't feel the need to rush inside, then this ridiculous song came on and i had to laugh. It took me out of my funk and i went to bed in a good mood.

[@angelinajellybean]

I’ve always loved Beck and his music its so fun!!

[@donstewart6000]

I remember liking the song but I never would have suspected Beck to be so influential and also create one of my favorite albums of 2002. Sea Change which is 180 from looser. The great song the golden age He Embraced traditional songs and styles and is able to move across many styles which is genius

[@jayclinton2801]

Mutations for me was SO gawd damned good, imma go listen to it right now XD

[@AnyangU]

You finally got to Beck, Professor of Rock. Nicely done! Beck is such an amazing artist! My roommate at the time heard loser on a Public Radio show and told me you gotta hear this song. Soon after, he was jumping up and down because the local alternative radio station was playing it. As soon as Mellow Gold came out, he bought the album. I must have heard that album constantly. But, it was real good. First, it was Radiohead with Creep and then it was STP and then it was Beck but it so captured the zeitgeist of the moment. We were all nerds waiting to break out of our shells, and this was our soundtrack to do it to. And of course we did. We matured and led kick ass lives! Not bad for losers!

[@aaronwhite3298]

Thank you Professor for keeping your promise of more 90's! Cheers!

[@ProfessorofRock]

You bet!

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

@@ProfessorofRock I would like to see TPOH stories if there is material in that bands music!! cheers

[@donstevens7847]

Another great one Adam! "Loser" and "Creep" are the pinnacle of 90s self-loathing. Hey I got a song for you, "Don't Try to Lay No Boogie-Woogie on the King of Rock n Roll" by Long John Baldry, should be a barn burner!

[@TheReal_Pim_Tool]

I would love to see a Beck interview. He’s one of the best artists from the 90s who is still relevant in music today.

[@princesskatarina351]

Beck may have denied Weird Al the parody, but it was included at the very beginning of 'The Alternative Polka'.

[@suemiller2522]

YES!!! I have loved Beck since the 90s, such an amazing artist! Puts on a great live show, too! I know everyone loves the Odelay album, but for me Mellow Gold and Guero are 10/10 albums. He played a festival with Johnny Cash once in possibly the strangest billing ever, but JC loved him, and even covered a Beck song (without checking, I think it was Rowboat). Beck is what music is supposed to be, one of my favorite artist of all time. Thanks for covering him, Professor. ❤

[@omarvasquez445]

I knew who it was the moment you said "kill the headlights, put it in neutral" what great lyrics. Thank you Professor 👓, love my 90s

[@vinylmandate]

That's like saying "the moment you said 'There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold...' I KNEW you were talking about Led Zeppelin!". It's nothing to brag about when someone makes a direct reference.

[@chrispetrillo9042]

Thank you for covering this song Adam. I was waiting for this one. While some artists and bands might struggle to find enough songs for a greatest hits album Beck could easily fill 3 records with all his hit songs. Hope to see you cover more Beck songs in the future. Tropicalia is also a fantastic song.

[@simonrichards6739]

I remember this coming on my iPod as I was painting my sisters massive holiday home. I literally sat in the shed, in the dark (I didn’t shave my face) for a day with it on repeat.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha Ha! I know what you mean.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

24/7? Even when you were eating?

[@doccolour]

Hell Yes, an interview with Beck would be Epic!

[@je23508]

Beck is an amazing musician. Love his variety, but Loser will probably remain my favorite.May he have many more years of fantastic work ahead.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I hope so too!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too. Kudos to him.

[@johnathandavis3693]

I can't BELIEVE this song is THIRTY YEARS OLD...I was about 30 when it came out, back when I still thought I was cool, LOL. Good memories. Thanks, Prof...

[@marktait2371]

same i still.have the cd single has a different mix amd a few bsides

[@dmitryowens]

I was 24 and looked like a rock star 😎

[@chrisbenson6683]

Yep... We is getting oooold, folks

[@jettnorr]

I still think you're cool.

[@normatible9795]

You ARE STILL cool!!!

[@bartbluemusic]

Beck is one of my brother's favorite artists. Even today, he still loves his music. I personally was never that big on him, but I do like the song "Loser". I think a lot of people can relate to it, and it has a very catchy hook to it. Good song - good vid! :)

[@kurtisjohnson9530]

I just happened to listen to this song from my collection two days ago. I’ve heard it a million times, but for some reason, that was the first time I ever thought of it as a rap song, which I think is pretty funny it took me that long. And then your video pops up. I love it when that happens.

[@curtywash]

I saw him at an all ages matinee Oct 21, 1994 at the Middle East in Cambridge MA. It was a life changing event. Loser had just come out and I didn’t know anyone who was interested in Beck so I went alone. It was a small show with just me and about 30 or so other kids there. He was very cool. That was probably one of the most special shows I’ve been to. I dove deep into his stuff after that. I gotta say nothing he has done since even comes close to the beauty of his early work before he was “discovered”. Great video Professor!

[@johnrpomeroy]

added Beck's "Thinkin' About You" to one of my Fav playlists not long ago. Uncharacteristically sentimental. Always wondered where he came from, & now I know! Thanks Prof

[@SlyAce365]

One of my absolute favorite musicians. Incredible video!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching.

[@CowGirlKat8691]

Didn't listen to much of this music in the 90's but here for the story!

[@davidbrosky8079]

Terrific informative and behind the scenes on Beck. “Devil’s Haircut” and “Where it’s at” were also given airplay and rotation would justify you doing a show and an interview. 👏👏👏

[@hectormonclova7563]

If someone doubts of Beck's talent, I recommend Sea Change, a true Masterpiece, for me one of the best albums of the history of the genre ever.

[@flossy7258]

God I love 'Lost Cause', heartbreakingly beautiful

[@sharonmattox]

I used to listen to this song with my coworkers and we'd sing along. I learned the crazy lyrics from that. It was kind of funny because I didn't know what the line "drive by body pierce," meant. In my mind I was thinking about someone driving up, leaning out the window and actually giving someone a piercing! My coworkers had to explain that it was a drive by shooting!! It hadn't clicked before then! 😂

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I had no idea what that line meant until today!

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

If you ever watched the movie Rambo, ran out and bought a giant survival knife and then had to wander the neighborhood looking for someone to stick with it... You'll enjoy the hell out of this KZbin channel.

[@firebythewater4477]

Luv it!!!!

[@DC8091]

🤔. now that’s a helluva idea 🤘🤘🤣

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha ha!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Oh boy...

[@aprilinamsterdam]

Thank you!! I love, love LOVE Beck!! An interview would be awesome! I first heard this song on KNDD The End in Seattle. I called in to find out who did that song with the lyrics about a termite choking on the splinters. 🤣 I went right out and bought it. I'm also a huge fan of Dr. John. Weirdly, his Gris-Gris album featuring "I Walk on Guilded Splinters" has become part of my Christmas playlist. I love that you taught me this connection! If you do get to interview him, maybe you could ask about his fascination with splinters 🤣 I'd also like to hear him discuss his appearance on Futurama. In "Bendin' in the Wind (S3E13)" he headlined the "Montsters of Vaguely Folkish Alterna-Rock" tour. Thanks again, Adam 🎶💜🎶

[@markcatanzaro9699]

You're right again my friend, this one was an instant classic. I loved it the first time I heard it

[@ProfessorofRock]

Bam!

[@rexhorning7228]

Thanks for covering this! From an era of good times.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening!

[@randytessman6750]

Wow Professor you finally mentioned something nostalgic that I didn't know at all. Got me to search the cards and was amazed I never knew about this back in the day, would have collected them too. Teen years were behind me when heard Beck but so reminded me of that FTW attuited and I loved it !

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool! Thanks Randy!

[@FluxyMiniscus]

Friends of mine toured with him for a short tour before he broke through. They were a Bucket drum and contraption psycho blues band and eventually got to open for the Cramps during that period (around 1992/3 I believe). When they came back from tour they were talking about the crazy talented busker ( Beck) they met in LA. I think it was about a year later that he broke through. I’ve always enjoyed his creativity and his music is still a go to that I’ll play in my studio late night painting sessions. Good times

[@catherine6653]

I remember hearing 'Loser' for the first time. 107.7 The End in Seattle. The chorus is catchy and memorable. I may not have understood the lyrics on a first listen. But I did understand what 'Drive by body pierce ' was.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! Yes! Love the lyrics! Thanks Catherine.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love the line “crazy with the cheese whiz.”

[@bobniehaus5053]

My nephew, 22 years my junior, and I exchanged music CDs as music lovers. He introduced me to Beck. You’re right he’s no rapper but I loved his “absurd” aspect.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Who else remembers the first time you saw Beck's MTV video of Loser and immediately falling in love with Beck's unconventional song and music? Never knew Becks story, talk about rags to riches in the nth degree!! Now if you excuse me i am going to save up my food stamps and bu rn down the trailer park. Can you do 2 turntables? Love that song just as much. Great episode

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name!

[@Whisper_292]

Don't forget to get crazy with the Cheez Whiz while you're at it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha!@@Whisper_292

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@Whisper_292 lol, definitely won't forget!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I do! I just love that video.

[@jamesbrown3239]

Thank you! Thank you for doing some newer modern bands. While I love the 70’s and 80’s I was so young that I really cut my teeth on the 90’s 2000’s and mid to late 2000’s. Thankfully I grew up in the SF Bay Area and the local station there had a music program director who always played European / British bands and upcoming indie stuff (sister station was Kroq). I recall hearing beck on their Sunday program. Would love to hear some coverage from you on They Might Be Giants, Maybe something on Fountains of Wayne as well. Thanks for always making such great vids btw (love your channel and trash theory)

[@sariahut1]

I freaking love Beck! This song was EVERYWHERE when it came out! You couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing it somewhere on the dial. Some of the most hilarious and strange lyrics ever! I have so many fun memories connected to this song. It started off a lifetime of loving Beck’s music. Thank you for FINALLY talking about this song!

[@propdoctor21564]

Another interesting video as always. Also love the fact you are wearing a Rush T-shirt which just happens to be my favorite group ever. 👍👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love them. Working on getting a GEDDY LEE interview. Stay tuned!

[@propdoctor21564]

@@ProfessorofRock That would be awesome 👍👍

[@brandonkoch3852]

Nice ,a mention for KNDD in Seattle. I spent many hours of my teenage years on that station. Loved the hell out of it growing up. Alot of songs played on the End that you didnt hear on other local stations.unless it became fairly popular.people from out of state i knew that would visit and listen to the end.would just be thrilled about the kick ass tunes coming out that radio dial. I cant remember all the d.j's anymore.. But marco collins ,d.j. no name,producers Andrew harms and Steve Miggs(who still works in Seattle radio on KISW. Are a few people that come to mind.great nostalgia trip.thanks for that.

[@kirklynch2539]

Great episode! Did you know that Beck appeared the American version of the music video for “Love Spreads” by the Stone Roses?

[@iniksbane]

Loser is just one of those songs that I turn on when I'm having a rough day. It always makes me feel better. The story behind it is pretty amazing. Beck makes me think about Soul Coughing and Spoon, which is completely apropos of nothing.

[@davereddy2527]

I like the way the albums to the left of you in wooden cabinet have changed in each of your episodesI've watched so far

[@sublime_]

Thank you Adam for another great video. I love Mellow Gold it’s one of my favourite albums.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

Diamond Dave gave him the biggest boost of his career.

[@ProfessorofRock]

!

[@davidgalinat4257]

B-B-B-B-BECK!

[@Arthurnonymous]

Enjoyed the video. One of my favorite songs of the 90s! Thanks!

[@robertghigliotty765]

Yo bro first vid if yours im seeing.. let me say i thought i knew about music...i know bands songs and some events some background but you sir are definitely the master hats off well done ..ironicly i owned this cd back in the day

[@atholwilson5411]

Great video.....again. I gotta tell you....every time I see one of your videos come up on KZbin, I see the description and see that it's 20 minutes long, and think....."ugh....my brain only pays attention for 2 minutes.....Ill just fast forward to see the tag line".....but i am captivated from beginning to end......Keep up the great work. My great memories of my childhood now depend on it !

[@zachvenus1593]

Your channel rules, and I love the details included

[@kevincurpheymusic]

I'm so happy you covered Beck! He's one of my favorite artists! I hope you cover Aesop Rock (not to be confused with ASAP Rocky, they are two very different people) he's still releasing albums after nearly 30 years, and is one of the most interesting and unique artists ever.

[@STV-H4H]

A story I never thought I had missed. Glad I finally found it. My memory of discovering Beck would be the first time I visited Madison Wisconsin in 1996 I think. I’d heard the song numerous times before but paid it no mind. It was that frozen evening after drinking green beer at an Irish bar the night I first met my then girlfriend’s old college roommate Kelly, we had stayed up drinking and she played the CD. Two major indelible memories were formed. I fell in love with Beck, and still think of Kelly whenever I hear that CD nearly 30yrs later.

[@timscarrow9151]

I had moved to the plains, I saw that weird cover, I finally gave in and bought Odelay . I have been a fan ever since, and was quite jealous he got to make the album I didn't. Beck can write real songs.

[@jju22]

I saw Beck play in San Diego when this song first came out. He changed the lyrics to "I'm a softie baby, so why don't you squeeze me" LOL. I still have the setlist

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m a hugger, baby, so why don’t you hug me?

[@johnbarney5787]

Beck is a musical genius. Love your breakdown of this. My daughter and I always have a competition to see who will guess the artist or band first. I won because of your lyrics spoiler at the beginning. Lol. Thanks Prof!

[@pjw5328]

Somehow I completely missed this song when it was current. First Beck song I ever heard was “Where It’s At” two years later, which is still a staple of my 90s playlists.

[@fivestring65ify]

While I never really got into Beck, this was a fascinating episode. Thanks.

[@HowardDiNatale]

I was 12 years old when Mellow Gold was released so this had a big impact on me during a really good year for music. Amazing that Vitalogy, Superunknown, Dookie, Weezers Blue Album and Ill Communication all came out that year

[@dyrcosis]

I was privileged to win tickets to the Summer Odyssey tour last August and thoroughly enjoyed Beck and Phoenix. Fantastic showing from both! Unsurprisingly, the crowd went nuts when Loser started. While it's hard for me to pick a favorite, one of them would be Wow.

[@scotternst7803]

Great video, Prof. My intro to Beck was turning on MTV one day, and he was the guest VJ. Truly bizarre! At the end of his segment, they played the Loser video, and boy was I hooked! Ever since then, I'm a driver, I'm a winner.

[@purplehz97]

Things are change I can feel it.

[@krisg3984]

That was a good time in music, totally enjoyed the Loser song . I pulled out old Beck music to revisit . I see your correlation to folk music with rap /ad lib. It’s interesting and strangely mesmerizing

[@flashderos]

So happy for a Beck episode! I love Beck and I don’t appreciate him as much as I should. And I’ll fight to the bitter end that his “Midnight Vultures” should have won Album of the Year!

[@vicetea86]

the termite chokeing on the splinters has always been one of my favorite lines from anything.

[@krisg3984]

I too instantly loved this song, the slow apathy laden vocals. It was a change. I was tired of the. “ get out there and be a CEO by 25 “ . The mixed up lyrics were a joy and make me actually laugh out loud - still ! Great voice, and uniquely Beck Going to listen to my Mutations mp3 now, it’s really good

[@marisa5359]

First thing mentioned at the beginning I don't remember and sad. I would have collected all those cards! As to Beck...I first heard Loser and had no idea what to think. Totally different from anything I had listened to. However, over time and through a lot of significant struggle, the lyrics with both their distinct oddities and sheer honesty started to resonate. Now, when I am really feeling that loser feeling, this is the song that rolls through my head.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I would have enjoyed collecting all those cards too!

[@sharonvik7643]

I heard this song on the radio on the way home this afternoon. Great song! 🙂

[@KidFresh71]

Huge Beck fan. Finally seeing him live on July 6 at the Hollywood Bowl, can't wait!

[@michaelmurvihill8813]

Very interesting! I had a Beck CD for years, didn't know its provenance.

[@matthewclark9652]

John Popper & his group Blues Traveler also did "Loser" during concerts!!!

[@gpetermonroy]

I always loved “Hell Yes” by Beck. There’s something about the music video and the “please enjoy” that are super fun

[@HowardDiNatale]

Thank you for mentioning Carl Stephenson. He doesn't get enough credit for Forest for the Trees or his work on "Loser". Incredibly talented, ahead of his time, and sadly stigmatized for his struggles with mental illnesss.

[@yoopersoul]

[@TheBoltactionrifle]

Beck is my all time favorite. I got gifted tickets to see the Stones in Toronto and was way more pumped to see Beck because he was opening for them.

[@dgarve]

I think Sexx Laws is one of his coolest and catchiest songs (Midnight Vultures, 1999) and has a great video, as well, featuring Jack Black. - Dave

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love it too!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love that video.

[@edryba4867]

Any song with Jack Black on it is okay with me!

[@DaveWillmore]

You have the best teasers in the business.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@jayjones5756]

"Quit my job blowin' leaves, telephone bills up my sleeves. Feelin' like a one man dustbowl" I think that's from Beercan. Mellow Gold is an incredible masterpiece of an album.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Agree. I love it and have for decades.

[@Ss010101]

That Police album cover is sick. That's so good!!

[@ponzo1967]

First time I heard this the DJ introduced it as "This is gonna be the biggest song of the year" and I thought yeah right but came to love it. It's silly, funky, and interesting all at once. This song throws me right back to the time it came out.

[@HotRod12667]

I think you should do a segment on Forest for the Trees and their song Dream.

[@joemachine4714]

I saw Beck in '99 at The 9:30 Club for WHFSmas Holiday Nutcracker. Surprisingly awesome, + Foo Fighters & Tori Amos also performed 🎹

[@dad4ever-c90]

Beck is a evidence that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. When he burst onto the music scene, I thought he looked like David Spade, wearing clothes he found in a dumpster! While I'm not a big fan of his songs, I am impressed with his DANCE moves. I guess he needs a dance floor to go along with his two turntables and a microphone.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding. He's one of a kind!

[@RBS_]

....you'd be AMAZED how many of those Alt-Rock Dudes (of the 90's) were listening to Dance club Music / Hip Hop, and DJ'ing on the side....I was flabbergasted! ...ha-HAA!

[@ProfessorofRock]

True. True. @@RBS_

[@pinballinc1752]

Have you listened to Morning Phase?

[@ProfessorofRock]

Yes! Good stuff. @@pinballinc1752

[@randemness2680]

My best friend and i were on our way home from boy scouts in my grandma's car, and turned on the local college station and heard this song for the first time. We were telling everyone about it, and then one day months later the video debuted on MTV and we could finally brag about what we had heard that random night

[@billypilgrim5329]

Beck is amazing. I always heard that Spanish line as Sword Over Benidorm