Beck “The Information”
I picked up a copy of The Information by Beck. The first thing I did was watch the videos for each song on the accompanying disk. Then I broke out the stickers provided, the blank CD cover and created my own album art. Providing a range of materials and allowing the listener to personalize content allows the listener to interact with the music in unique way. It provides a tactile, visual and audio experience. Genious! This kind of creativity is what it may take to save the physical CD in the age of downloads.
You could say The Information is more of the same from Beck, but if that’s the case than keep them coming. The Information is a mash of grooves that once again defy categorization. The thing I like about Beck is his diversity. He has managed to change his sound many times while keeping his credibility. It’s a great vibe and a solid set of songs worth picking up.
Cell Phone’s Dead video
Soldier Jane video
Wired article and interview
Three years in the making, The Information is the album Beck began working on in 2003 with producer Nigel Godrich (Radiohead’s OK Computer, Kid A, Beck’s Sea Change, Mutations) and finally completed this year once Guero’s massive success and encore touring engagements, as well as Nigel’s other commitments, were fulfilled. The Information
is comprised of 15 songs and a DVD featuring homemade videos for each
of the 15 songs shot in-studio during the actual sessions. The artwork
for the Information is either non-existent or infinite,
depending on one’s point of view. Each copy will come in a blank
package with one of four collectible sticker sheets specially designed
by European and American artists and representative of the unique Beck
aesthetic. The stickers will give every Beck fan the opportunity to
participate in the creative process by designing his or her own one of
a kind CD cover. via insound