The New Pollution


"The New Pollution" is a song by Beck. The song appears on his album Odelay and was also released as a single. The song samples the single "Venus" by Joe Thomas.

Music video

The music video, directed by Beck himself, features 1960s-style dancing and background. The music video contains visual references from French singer Serge Gainsbourg's music videos for "Monsieur William" and the Histoire de Melody Nelson.
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.

Live performances

As of January 13, 2019, Beck had performed the song live 374 times.

Track listings

US 12" Vinyl

  1. "The New Pollution" - 3:39
  2. "The New Pollution" - 4:08
  3. "The New Pollution" - 3:49
  4. "Lemonade" - 2:22
  5. "Richard's Hairpiece" - 3:19

    UK CD Pt. 1

  6. "The New Pollution" - 3:42
  7. "Richard's Hairpiece" - 3:21
  8. "Electric Music and the Summer People" - 4:41

    UK CD Pt. 2

  9. "The New Pollution" - 3:42
  10. "The New Pollution" - 3:51
  11. "Lemonade" - 2:21

    Japanese CD (released as ''"The New Pollution" and Other Favorites'')

  12. "The New Pollution" - 3:39
  13. "The New Pollution" - 4:08
  14. "The New Pollution" - 3:49
  15. "Richard's Hairpiece" - 3:21
  16. "Thunderpeel" - 2:41
  17. * This version is different from the one on Stereopathetic Soulmanure
  18. "Lemonade" - 2:23
  19. ".000.000" - 5:26
  20. "Feather In Your Cap" - 3:45
  21. * This version can be found on the SubUrbia soundtrack.

    Personnel