Maverick American songwriting type Beck has teamed up with Wilco to work on a suitably world-weary cover of Skip Spence’ classic album ‘Oar’.
Beck loves the internet. After years of his website containing not-very-much the singer has given the page a revamp, introducing a host of fantastic new features. Alongside regular blogs and photos the singer has been posting DJ mixes and even new material.
The songwriter recently confirmed that he is set to release a series of covers of classic albums. Working with some famous friends, Beck has been posting tracks from his version of the 1967 masterpiece ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’.
Already up to ‘Run Run Run’ the singer has been joined by producer Nigel Godrich and actor Giovanni Ribisi for the sessions. Recorded in just one day the project is set to continue with help from Americana icons Wilco.
Formed from the ashes of seminal country-rock group Uncle Tupelo, the band have been led by Jeff Tweedy for over a decade, becoming hugely influential in their own right.
Stateside magazine Pitchfork has uncovered details that suggest that Wilco will be the next group to enter Beck’s Record Club. The two talents are set to unite on a version of Skip Spence’ cult obscurity ‘Oar’.
Spence had helmed Moby Grape to become a star of the San Francisco psychedelic scene, before becoming one of the first casualties of the Acid era. ‘Oar’ is a cracked classic, a kind of American equivalent to Syd Barrett’s damaged solo years but with slightly more coherency.
Beck and Wilco ran through the album in sessions lasting for just one day, and the results should be fascinating listening. Beck is a long time fan of Skip Spence, with the singer previously recording ‘Halo Of Gold’ for a Spence tribute album.
Of course, this isn’t the only thing Beck is working on right now. The songwriter is revisiting his 2008 album ‘Modern Guilt’ in acoustic format, with his version of the track ‘Gamma Ray’ available HERE!
Beck / Wilco are set to begin releasing their version of ‘Oar’ later this year.
