When the consensus is that you"re the new Dylan, it"s your prerogative to rewrite the record industry"s rules. So in 1994, the same year Beck had major-label hits with "Loser" and the album Mellow Gold, he saw fit (and was allowed by his label, Geffen) to release three other records on various indie labels. While none challenged Beck"s "real" album in quality or sales, Stereopathetic Soul Manure is his most successful collection of unpolished toss-offs. Collecting various low-fi recordings made between 1988 and "93, the record alternates between folkie strumming, pedal-steel country, noise-guitar freakouts, and bizarre soundbites. Not essential, but it has its charms. --Roni Sarig