You know, last week, as I watched the Grammys, I noticed that Beck was nominated for Best Album for Midnite Vultures, and I didn't think much of it at the time, but over the last couple of weeks I've been giving it steady rotation. At this point, I'm listening to it almost constantly.

It ceases to amaze me just how good this guy is. On Midnite Vultures, Beck manages to do a better Prince than Prince himself is capable of these days. Not that Prince isn't great—I've always been a fan—But Beck is showing some true talent here, not only by nailing the Purple One's musical style and flair, but by also maintaining his own distinctive touch, well known from his previous efforts Odelay and Mellow Gold.

Back when I first heard "Loser", I remember thinking, 'I've gotta get that album'. But for whatever reason, I never did. So I missed out on that. Then I missed out on Odelay when "Where It's At" was released.

But this time, I've heard every song on Midnite Vultures, and can't get enough of it. Tracks like "Nicotine & Gravy", "Mixed Bizness", "Get Real Paid", "Hlwd Freaks", "Peaches and Cream" and "Debra" all smack of Prince. All over the place, from early '80s Prince to mid '90s "o+>", the album runs the whole gamut, yet Beck is completely recognizable with his own off-the-wall lyrics. Witness the chorus from "Nicotine & Gravy"

I think we're going crazy. Her left eye is lazy. She looks so Israeli. Nicotine and gravy

This of course followed by the requisite Prince-inspired orchestral cue, complete with grandiose symphonics and vocals. Then jump back to a funky breakbeat and a singing choir of Becks layered one over the other, a trick that matches the best of Prince's efforts.

It's no wonder that Midnite Vultures was nominated for Best Album of the Year. It's a great album. Fun, funky, energetic and extremely self-aware. The only unfortunate thing is that Prince will probably never be nominated for any of his work, which is just as musically rich and lively, solely because it's a common misperception that Prince takes himself so seriously.