"The New Pollution"is a song by American musicianBeck,released in February 1997 byDGC Recordsas the third single from his fifth album,Odelay(1996). It was written by Beck withJohn KingandMichael Simpson,and produced by Beck withDust Brothers.The song samples "Venus" byJoe Thomas.[1]In the US, "The New Pollution" peaked at number 78 on theBillboardHot 100and number nine on theBillboardAlternative Airplaychart. In Europe, it was a top-10 hit in Iceland, peaking at number nine. The music video for the song was directed by Beck himself.
| "The New Pollution" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| SinglebyBeck | ||||
| from the albumOdelay | ||||
| Released | February 28, 1997 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:39 | |||
| Label | DGC | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) |
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| Becksingles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "The New Pollution"onYouTube | ||||
Critical reception
editRetrospectively, Justin Chadwick from Albumism named "The New Pollution" one of the "unequivocal standouts" of theOdelayalbum, describing it as "buoyant" and "exhilarating, pop-friendly fare".[2]David StubbsfromMelody Makerfelt the song "is as near to anthemic as Beck gets. Nicking the bassline fromThe Beatles' 'Taxman', it's shot through with a recurring children's TV piccolo motif and wailing sax. Again, interesting and clever, rather than uplifting or inspirational. "[3]A reviewer fromMusic Weekgave it four out of five, adding, "Similar to 'Devils Haircut' in execution, this mellow outing fromOdelayshould follow its predecessor into the Top 30. "[4]Music Weekeditor Alan Jones called it a gem, adding, "Like the hit 'Devils Haircut', it sounds very tongue in cheek and combines the psychedelic swirl of The Beatles' 'Within You, Without You' with the bass line from 'Taxman', although it doesn't really sound like a Beatles record. It does have their freshness and is very commercial and is sure to score. "[5]David Sinclair fromThe Timesviewed it as a "sneaky re-working of that old 'Taxman' riff."[6]
Music video
editThe accompanying music video for "The New Pollution" was directed by Beck himself. It features 1960s-style dancing and background. The video contains visual references toSerge Gainsbourg's music videos for "Monsieur William" and "Melody",as well as the bandsMötley CrüeandKraftwerk.[7]The opening scene referencesThe Lawrence Welk Show.
The video features actressMary Lynn Rajskub.
The music video received nominations forVideo of the Year,Best Alternative Video,Best Direction,Best ChoreographyandBest Art Directionat the1997 MTV Video Music Awards,winning the latter three.[8]
Live performances
editAs of January 13, 2019, Beck had performed the song live 374 times.[9]
Track listings
edit
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Personnel
edit- Beck Hansen: Vocals, guitar, bass, clavinet, organ, programming
- The Dust Brothers: Programming
- Written by: Beck/The Dust Brothers
Charts
edit| Chart (1997) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Top Singles (RPM)[10] | 39 |
| Canada Rock/Alternative (RPM)[11] | 1 |
| Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[12] | 9 |
| USBillboardHot 100[13] | 78 |
| USAlternative Airplay(Billboard)[14] | 9 |
References
edit- ^Hansen, Beck (1996).Odelay Liner Notes.Hollywood, CA: Bong Load/Geffen Records.
- ^Chadwick, Justin (June 13, 2021)."Beck's 'Odelay' Turns 25 — Anniversary Retrospective".Albumism.RetrievedOctober 3,2021.
- ^Stubbs, David(June 22, 1996)."Albums".Melody Maker.p. 48.RetrievedMay 14,2024.
- ^"Reviews: Singles"(PDF).Music Week.February 15, 1997. p. 23.RetrievedMay 10,2022.
- ^Jones, Alan (March 3, 1997)."Talking Music"(PDF).Music Week.p. 10.RetrievedMay 13,2022.
- ^Sinclair, David (March 1, 1997). "The week's top pop releases; Records".The Times.
- ^Breihan, Tom (September 20, 2016)."How Beck Used His Odelay-era Videos To Become a Superstar".Vinyl Me Please.
- ^MTS Video Music Awards | 1997.MTV. Accessed March 26, 2012.
- ^"The New Pollution by Beck song statistics | setlist.fm".www.setlist.fm.
- ^"Top RPM Singles: Issue 3196."RPM.Library and Archives Canada.Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^"Top RPM Rock/Alternative Tracks: Issue 3188."RPM.Library and Archives Canada.Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^"Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (NR. 212 Vikuna 13.3. '97 - 19.3. '97)"(PDF)(in Icelandic). Dagblaðið Vísir.RetrievedJuly 12,2018.
{{cite magazine}}:Cite magazine requires|magazine=(help) - ^"Beck Chart History (Hot 100)".Billboard.Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^"Beck Chart History (Alternative Airplay)".Billboard.Retrieved October 13, 2020.
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