BECK Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Indie darling Beck has been 'Thinking About You' on what is his first new music in some time since he dropped his GRAMMY-winning Hyperspace album. This single gets pressed up to a limited edition golden-brown 7" to mark the much-loved artist's birthday and it is a sublime bit of prime and emotional Beck as his heart-tugging best. The ballad has some sombre harmonica, acoustic guitar lushness and was recorded in the same room as his classic 'Sea Change'. On the flip side is his GRAMMY-nominated cover of Neil Young's 'Old Man' which is a wistful sound with rich tones.

Review: There's always an awful lot to talk about with Beck - an American rock icon whose enigmatic character is defined by the fact labels like 'American rock icon' are way too simplistic. Hyperspace couldn't be a more useful example, a record that turns its attention to a sci-fi R&B pop sound that's an immediate giveaway of Pharrell Williams' involvement as producer on more than half the album.

All of which would be jarring if this weren't Beck, a proper shapeshifter. Pulling it off with far more than aplomb implies, it's a warm, sexy evening ride through the e-funked up streets of LA on a warm night exceptionally juxtaposed with a lyrical flavour that's sorrowful and reflective, the product of both the artist's failing relationship at the time of writing and his well-documented understanding of the human condition.

Review: "Hyperspace" sees Beck venture further down the pop road, drafting in a wealth of high profile, stadium-filling collaborators to realise what's arguably his most synthesised work to date. Full marks to anyone who, upon blind taste test, immediately jumped to the conclusion this was indeed Beck. Fear not, that's less a result of his iconic and infinitely listenable voice not shining through, and more down to what else is in these arrangements. Working with legendary studio genius Pharrell Williams (who co-produced and co-wrote), you'll also find Coldplay's Chris Martin and Georgia, US rapper and drummer Terrell Hines involved here, amongst others. Together with these names we're taken into a soaring, immersive and glittering world of sophisticated but chart-friendly anthems, from clap-a-long number "Die Waiting", to the epic space-rock closer "Everlasting Nothing".