Strongly focused on the creative process, the project brings together an array of artists. Beck has used the talents of Wilco, Feist and MGMT to foster these raw auditory delights. My personal favorite record the Record Club has covered is Oar by Skip Spence. It includes the soulful “Book of Moses”, which has the energy and pulsing beat of a busy city street. Another gem is the hauntingly beautiful cover of “Diana”. This record in particular shows Beck’s message of artistic fluidity loud and clear. While it may appear chaotic to some, every snare hit, guitar chord, click, snap, and clap, has a place and purpose.
synthesis between older songs and newer media is what makes this project such a success. The reason why an endeavor like this is able to reach so many people is the Internet. Realistically, twenty, or even ten years ago, this would have been a costly production. For the public to hear the tracks, they would have had to be released to radio or sold as a completely packaged product. Promotion efforts by doing live shows would defeat the purpose of the project. It is one day where all the imperfections and grit validate the final product. The Internet allows the records to be heard almost instantaneously. Video clips have also been posted on Beck’s Web site. They offer the listener a front row seat to the end result of the 24-hour session. Being able to utilize a tool that connects so many people in this generation for your creative advantage is unbeatable. There is no better way to showcase a short-term side project.
These days a music career can start almost anywhere on the Internet. Youtube, Myspace and Facebook are largely influential in making an artist’s work known. Using technology to show all of an artists creative efforts, not only appeals to the artist but also to the fans. They get to see how involved the musicians are and in cases like the Record Club, how multifaceted the musicians talents are. Considering how quickly the music industry is becoming digitalized, it would benefit other artists to take a page out of Beck’s book.
Experimental music can be detrimental to an artist’s career. It can cost thousands, even millions in marketing and distribution, if the project fails to become popular. With sites like Youtube, artists have an outlet where they can try new things guilt free. There is little to no money invested and artists can receive instant feedback. With input from fans, artists can fine tune their work and explore the interests of their fan base. Also, instead of waiting a year or two for a fully packaged album, a quick video or single mp3 can be posted. With the weight of the business perspective lifted, artists are finally able to debut fresh and experimental material with the express purpose of exploring music and delighting fans.
Click here to watch the video’s of the Record Club – www.beck.com/recordclub/
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