Beck’s record club idea: classic albums re-recorded, no rehearsals

Posted June 18th, 2009 by eric

Word hit the street yesterday via Nasty Little Man regarding Beck’s forthcoming website overhaul. Normally, when an artist redesigns his website, it’s not exactly newsworthy, but with Beck’s redesign comes a twist on the old record club boondoggle. Prince has tried several times to market his music via pricey subscription tiers but has always come running back to more conventional outlets. With Beck’s record club idea, the subscription service is not only interesting but unique. Beck will collaborate with a few musician peers of varying degrees of fame, depending on which circles you operate in, by recording an entire album in one day. No rehearsals. No prior arrangements. Just an off the cuff attempt to re-record classic albums to see what happens. Then Beck.com will release one track per week, allowing members to follow the process as it unfolds. The few names that have been bandied about as potential collaborators include Devendra Banhart, Jamie Lidell, Nigel Godrich and MGMT. The first album everyone could agree on is The Velvet Underground & Nico. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to sign up.

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