BECK Vinyl & 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.