Watch Justin Meldal-Johnsen Hold Down Beck’s Odelay Era on 2 Meter Sessions (1999)

A 1999 performance from Beck on “2 Meter Sessions” has just made its way to YouTube, giving us a fresh look at the Odelay era in all its quirky, groove heavy glory. The set includes killer live takes of “Devil’s Haircut” and “Debra,” filmed in the Netherlands.

Bass fans will love watching Justin Meldal-Johnsen doing his thing. His playing here is a perfect snapshot of why those late 90s Beck tours hit so hard. On “Devil’s Haircut,” he locks into that dusty breakbeat feel with a tight, punchy pocket that keeps everything moving.  It is raw, loose, and just a little weird in the best way possible. You can feel how much of the Odelay sound depended on a bassist who understood space, texture, and attitude as much as notes.  Plus, he playing some pretty cool basses during this short set.

If you missed it the first time around, this newly posted session is absolutely worth your time. Turn it up and pay attention to the low end.