Born Beck David Campbell, Beck Hansen is by far one of the most innovative, creative and entertaining artists of his time. The product of a conductor/arranger father and a mother who hung out in Andy Warhols Factory, his grandfather, Al Hansen, was a founding member the Fluxus artistic movement. Like the DIY Fluxus artists, Beck eschews the musical establishment to draw from wherever inspiration takes him: blues, folk, alternative rock, country, hip-hop, funk and R&B and hes got an uncanny ability to absorb musical styles like a sponge and twist them into something new without disrespecting their origins. Though at times his lyrics seem nonsensical, and of course, dripping with the ironic sensibilities of his media-bombarded generation, hes also got a deeply reflective side. He broke through commercially with the 1994 song, Loser, and the hit album, Mellow Gold; his groundbreaking 1996 followup, Odelay, is considered one of the most important of the rock era. Its successor, Mutations, was a complete departure, and included a foray into Brazilian tropicalia music. Midnite Vultures did another 180 as an homage-sendup of Prince-influenced funk (Sexx Laws and the hilarious/sweet Debra are highlights). Sea Change saw him exploring a quieter, folky side, while Guero was more hipster cool. 2006s The Information allowed CD purchasers to design their own album art via a set of stickers, and the support tour, featuring puppets of each band member performing behind the actual artists, was sheer genius. Besides his musical prowess and willingness to experiment, one of Becks most delightful qualities is his Fluxus-influenced refusal to take his art too seriously.