Beck

Noms: Album of the year, alternative album\nThe man keeps putting out records, and the Grammy folks keep nominating them. After the acclaim of Odelay and Mutations comes the nonstop party that is Midnite Vultures, a record that introduced the pickup line "Step inside my Hyundai" to the pop lexicon. Vultures sees the natural culmination of the hyperactive-MC persona Beck gradually developed during the grueling 18-month Odelay tour. The Dust Brothers-produced "Hollywood Freaks" references Ice Cube, while "Broken Train" features a similar nod toward Axl Rose. Somehow, it all comes out in the wash, and after an hour of shaking his groove thang, Mr. Hansen gives us the ultimate come-down with the slow-jam classic "I Want to Get With You (And Your Sister Debra)." If there were even a hint of smirk, the music would quickly descend into sub-Barenaked Ladies garbage. But Beck doesn't blink, and we love him all the more. Midnite Vultures is up for both best alternative album and album of the year.