Yukio Tanaka, known as “Koyuki” by his friends, is a regular 14-year-old Japanese boy starting eighth grade in junior high school. His boring life is changed when he saves an odd-looking dog, named Beck, from some kids. Beck’s owner turns out to be an emerging rock musician, 16-year-old Ryusuke Minami, who soon influences Koyuki to start playing the guitar. (From Wikipedia)

The most grunge anime has ever been, and probably ever will be. BECK’s approach to directing, colors, and atmosphere make its subject matter come alive in a realistic and enjoyably bland, fuzzy, analog, melancholy way. Some shots, particularly around Shibuya and Shimokita are based on real locations. Many shots from the opening, particularly the signs, are based on real places in the United States.

The Tower of Pizza was a real eatery on the Vegas strip, but it has since been replaced with a giant shopping mall. There’s a great write-up on it from the Neon Museum of Las Vegas.

The LONGBOY banana shirt worn by Yukio is one example of Beck’s references, a clear homage to The Velvet Underground’s self-titled album. Plenty of other brand names, guitarist references, and other American things are depicted throughout the anime.