Mutations is the third major-label studio album by Beck, released in 1998. Though less successful on the charts than the preceding Odelay, Mutations established Beck as an eclectic and innovative artist for his sample-free mixture of far-ranging musical genres, including tropicalia, bossa nova, country, and blues. The album's title is most likely a nod to an influential tropicalia band of the late 60s, Os Mutantes. With this album Beck won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance blank">http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/altperf.htm.
The album was initially recorded by noted producer _Nigel Godrich with the intention of having it released on Bong Load Custom Records, an indie label (as per Beck's agreement with his major label at the time, Geffen). When Geffen execs heard the album, however, they insisted that it be released by them. This led to a lawsuit filed by Beck against Geffen Records.
Beck made no music videos for any songs on this album, but several singles were released. Mutations peaked at #13 in the US, going gold, and achieved #24 in the UK and #23 in Australia.
