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  • THURSDAY OCTOBER 5 2006 6:00 PM

Beck in Trouble with the OCC

Submitted by Colin_ORegan

Edited by Colin_ORegan

Tags: Beck, Information, OCC, UK

I know. I write about Beck too much. But this one is good.

In accordance with the record industry's continuing tradition to perplex and punish ingenuity the U.K.'s Official Chart Company (OCC) has ruled that Beck's latest LP Information practices unfair competition strategies by including a companion DVD and interactive cover art packaging. The "unfair advantages" that Beck has so flagrantly boasted all summer long have forced the OCC to deem the album ineligible for placement on the U.K.'s album chart.

Beck isn't going to sweat it. In a discussion with Billboard:


"It's an unconventional package, but it shouldn't be penalized for that," says Beck. "Any art on a CD is an incentive to buy and listen. Ultimately, it doesn't matter. The response from the fans has been so strong, and that is the most important thing."


To add insult to injury, Beck plans to make tour shirts also ineligible for the UK's album chart by also making them a unique do-it-yourself affair. In a press release to fans:


"Fans will purchase a blank t-shirt with a set of iron-on decals, arrange the graphics on the shirt as they see fit, and have the shirt pressed up on the spot. There are four different sets of decals available as well as four different t-shirt colors, so the variations are endless."


Here is a marionnette version of Beck's "Nausea," a track off Information:
Billboard have ruled that:


The problematic packaging will not provoke an omission from any Billboard chart, according to director of charts/senior analyst Geoff Mayfield.


"Problematic Packaging."

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Comments
apesamongus

apesamongus

Atlanta, GA
July 2002

OCT 05, 2006 06:19 PM

So, he's excluded for doing the one thing that might actually save CD sales in the longrun (ie. providing incentive to purchase the actual product instead of downloading it.)

turin

turin

Denver, CO
October 2003

OCT 05, 2006 06:34 PM

I don't know why, but I can't bring myself to actually use the stickers. I guess I'll just leave them on the sheet, maybe look at them sometimes.

DarkShadow667

DarkShadow667

I'm lost
September 2006

OCT 05, 2006 06:48 PM

well, I guess I'll just go download songs from UK CDs... if there were any worthwhile. I think the fact that beck is actually talented makes him ineligable. Who would be his competition? James Blunt? A retard singing about a girl who was dating someone else who was pretty much disgusted at being stared at by a guy who was "Fucking High"? (In the original release, or the one I downloaded to go with my Weird Al parody he says "She could see from my face that I was Fucking High and not "Flying high") oh, wait... there is all this EURO-POoP... so, I guess Beck has much to fear from the OCC **Rolls Eyes** whatever ARRR!!! ARRR!!!

okbear

okbear

New Zealand
May 2003

OCT 05, 2006 06:59 PM

I have Problematic Packaging.

Ainur

Ainur

I'm lost
May 2005

OCT 05, 2006 07:55 PM

Beck just rules. Consistent rulage.

Cymagen

cymagen

I'm lost
March 2006

OCT 05, 2006 09:07 PM

WTF! so he's getting punished for doing something innovative and something that will get people to buy the CD? Either way, this bad press will just make him more money in the UK. Three cheers for Beck!!

jeffvader

jeffvader

San Diego, CA
November 2004

OCT 05, 2006 09:20 PM

stickers are a bitch man.... tongue surreal

MrCat

MrCat

United Kingdom
April 2003

OCT 06, 2006 03:06 PM

Well, they didn't make up the rule after seeing the stickers, it just happened to break the rather strict rules about what could be included and they didn't feel they could make an exception...


The only items which may be included in an album package which is to be eligible for the Charts are:

Free Gifts

(a) 1 x Poster
(b) Cards to a maximum of 4 - cards must be contained within the format and be 2 sided with no folds.
(c) Booklets

Inserts

(d) one "database card" intended to collect details of the purchaser for mailing list purposes. The card must be
designed to be posted back to the record company, band or appointed mailing house.
(e) one "flyer" promoting merchandise or other product provided that access to this merchandise or any entitlement to
discount is not available exclusively through purchase of the record
(f) one cd replacement card to fill blank tray within the case.

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