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One Foot in the Grave

by Beck

Released: June 27, 1994

Anti-folk, indie rock, lo-fi, alternative country

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

A reissue on April 14, 2009, through Beck's Iliad label included 16 bonus tracks, 12 of which were previously unreleased, further solidifying its place in Beck's discography. "One Foot in the Grave" is the fourth studio album by American alternative rock musician Beck, released in June 1994 on K Records, an independent label. Produced with contributions from Calvin Johnson, founder of K Records and Beat Happening, the album also features collaborations with members of Built to Spill, Love as Laughter, and Chris Ballew of The Presidents of the United States of America.

Inside the Recording

Recorded at Dub Narcotic Studio in Johnson's basement, the album's raw and unpolished sound contributed to its critical acclaim.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album includes several songs that are interpretations…

The album includes several songs that are interpretations or covers of tracks originally popularized by artists like Skip James and The Carter Family.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Beck - One Foot in the Grave

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Then

Reception

Recorded before the release of his breakthrough album "Mellow Gold," it showcases a strong influence of lo-fi and folk music. Recorded at Dub Narcotic Studio in Johnson's basement, the album's raw and unpolished sound contributed to its critical acclaim. Despite not charting like Beck's subsequent albums, "One Foot in the Grave" bolstered his reputation among critics, paving the way for his mainstream breakthrough with "Odelay" in 1996.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"One Foot in the Grave" is the fourth studio album by American alternative rock musician Beck, released in June 1994 on K Records, an independent label. Recorded before the release of his breakthrough album "Mellow Gold," it showcases a strong influence of lo-fi and folk music. The album includes several songs that are interpretations or covers of tracks originally popularized by artists like Skip James and The Carter Family.

Produced with contributions from Calvin Johnson, founder of K Records and Beat Happening, the album also features collaborations with members of Built to Spill, Love as Laughter, and Chris Ballew of The Presidents of the United States of America. Recorded at Dub Narcotic Studio in Johnson's basement, the album's raw and unpolished sound contributed to its critical acclaim.

Despite not charting like Beck's subsequent albums, "One Foot in the Grave" bolstered his reputation among critics, paving the way for his mainstream breakthrough with "Odelay" in 1996. By July 2008, the album had sold 168,000 copies in the United States. A reissue on April 14, 2009, through Beck's Iliad label included 16 bonus tracks, 12 of which were previously unreleased, further solidifying its place in Beck's discography.