Contains a hidden track "No Money No Honey Pt.1" right before "No Money No Honey Pt. 2 and 2 hidden tracks after "Aphid Manure Heist Pt. 1."

Personnel includes: Beck (vocals, various instruments, programming); Bobby Hecksher (guitar); Leo Le Blanc (pedal steel); Anna (bass); Lisa, Rachel, Dallas (drums); Johnny Cashmachine (background vocals).

Recorded between 1988 and 1993.

When Beck made the major-label deal that resulted in his 1994 debut album MELLOW GOLD, his contract stipulated that he be allowed to release his less commercial projects on indie labels. The tireless troubadour took full advantage, releasing both STEREOPATHETIC SOUL MANURE and ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE in the same year as MELLOW GOLD. Like its companion album ONE FOOT... STEREOPATHETIC SOUL MANURE is a combination of wacky 4-track antics, bizarre electronic sounds, and primitively recorded, postmodern takes on traditional folk/blues styles.

While many of the cuts are little more than sonic gags and absurdist audio collage (Beck's dada streak goes back to his grandfather, a member of the Fluxus art movement), some memorable songs peek out of the chaos. "Rowboat," a folk/country prayer for redemption, was covered by no less a figure than Johnny Cash. "Today Has Been a Fucked Up Day" could be a folk anthem of existentialism. Though this isn't the best place to encounter Beck's myriad talents, SOUL MANURE accurately represents both Beck's reckless, experimental side and his traditional leanings.

Spin (12/94, p.104) - Highly Recommended - "His folk music sounds most sincere when he piles on the star wars and other galactic funk....a far richer album, fitting folk and new wave and blues and punk together..."