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The New Pollution
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = The New Pollution
| cover = BeckTheNewPollution.jpg
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Beck
| album = Odelay
| released = February 28, 1997
| recorded =
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = *Alternative rock, psychedelic rock, jazz fusion
| length = 3:39
| label = DGC
| writer = Beck Hansen, John King, Michael Simpson
| producer = Beck, Dust Brothers
| prev_title = Devils Haircut
| prev_year = 1996
| next_title = Sissyneck
| next_year = 1997
| misc =
}}
"'The New Pollution'" is a song by American musician Beck, released as the third single from his fifth album, 'Odelay' (1996). It samples the song "Venus" by Joe Thomas. In the US, the song peaked at number 78 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 and number nine on the 'Billboard' Alternative Airplay chart. In Europe, it was a Top 10 hit in Iceland, peaking at number nine.
Critical reception
Justin Chadwick from Albumism picked "The New Pollution" as one of the "unequivocal standouts" of the 'Odelay' album, describing it as "buoyant" and "exhilarating, pop-friendly fare". British magazine 'Music Week' rated the song four out of five, adding, "Similar to Devil's Haircut in execution, this mellow outing from 'Odelay' should follow its predecessor into the Top 30." Editor Alan Jones called it a gem, adding, "Like the hit Devil's 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." David Sinclair from 'The Times' viewed it as a "sneaky re-working of that old Taxman riff."Sinclair, David (March 1, 1997). "The week's top pop releases; Records". 'The Times'.
Music video
The accompanying music video for "The New Pollution" was directed by Beck himself. It features 1960s-style dancing and background. The video contains visual references to Serge Gainsbourg's music videos for "Monsieur William" and "Melody", as well as the bands Mtley Cre and Kraftwerk. The opening scene references The Lawrence Welk Show.
The video features actress Mary Lynn Rajskub.
The music video received nominations for Video of the Year, Best Alternative Video, Best Direction, Best Choreography and Best Art Direction at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, winning the latter three.[http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1997/ MTS Video Music Awards | 1997]. MTV. Accessed March 26, 2012.
Live performances
As of January 13, 2019, Beck had performed the song live 374 times.
Track listings
* 'US 12" Vinyl'
# "The New Pollution" [LP Version] - 3:39
# "The New Pollution" [Remix by Mickey P.] - 4:08
# "The New Pollution" [Remix by Mkey P. & Mario C.] - 3:49
# "Lemonade" [Previously Unreleased] - 2:22
# "Richard's Hairpiece" ["Devil's Haircut" remix by Aphex Twin] - 3:19
* 'UK CD Pt. 1'
# "The New Pollution" [LP Version] - 3:42
# "Richard's Hairpiece" [Remix by Aphex Twin] - 3:21
# "Electric Music and the Summer People" - 4:41
* 'UK CD Pt. 2'
# "The New Pollution" [LP Version] - 3:42
# "The New Pollution" [Remix by Mario C. and Mickey P.] - 3:51
# "Lemonade" - 2:21
* 'Japanese CD (released as '"The New Pollution" and Other Favorites')'
# "The New Pollution" [LP Version] - 3:39
# "The New Pollution" [Remix by Mickey P.] - 4:08
# "The New Pollution" [Remix by Mario C. & Mickey P.] - 3:49
# "Richard's Hairpiece" [Remix by Aphex Twin] - 3:21
# "Thunderpeel" [Previously Unreleased] - 2:41
#* This version is different from the one on 'Stereopathetic Soulmanure'
# "Lemonade" [Previously Unreleased] - 2:23
# ".000.000" [Previously Unreleased] - 5:26
# "Feather In Your Cap" [Previously Unreleased] - 3:45
#* This version can be found on the 'SubUrbia' soundtrack.
Personnel
*Beck Hansen: Vocals, guitar, bass, clavinet, organ, programming
*The Dust Brothers: Programming
*Written by: Beck/The Dust Brothers
Charts
References
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