Devils Haircut
Beck · Odelay [1996]
and everywhere I look there's a dead end waiting,
temperature's dropping at the rotten oasis
stealing kisses from the leprous faces
heads are hanging from the garbageman trees
mouthwash, jukebox, gasoline,
pistols are pointing at a poor man's pockets
smiling eyes with 'em out of the sockets
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
love machines on the sympathy crutches
discount orgies on the dropout buses
hitchin' a ride with the bleedin' noses
comin' to town with the briefcase blues
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
somethin' wrong cause my mind is fading
ghetto blastin' disintegrating
rock 'n' roll, know what I'm saying?
everywhere I look there's a devil in waiting.
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
got a devil's haircut in my mind
Devils Haircut
Beck's "Devils Haircut" serves as the haunting opening track to his 1996 masterpiece, Odelay. The song immediately establishes the album's signature aesthetic, blending folk-rock melancholy with the artist's signature experimental production. Musically, it features a distinctive, looping guitar riff that creates a hypnotic atmosphere, contrasting with Beck's introspective vocal delivery. The recording captures a pivotal moment in his career where he moved away from pure alternative rock toward a more eclectic, genre-bending sound. This track set the tone for an album that would become a defining work of the 1990s, showcasing his ability to merge traditional songwriting with avant-garde textures. It remains a cornerstone of his discography, illustrating his unique approach to melody and rhythm.