Ricardo Villalobos Remix of Beck Headlines New Re:versal Records Vinyl

Re:versal Records has officially announced its latest archival project, REV005, a limited-edition heavyweight vinyl release that brings together some of the most influential figures in electronic music. The collection serves as the fifth installment in the label’s ongoing series, which focuses on unearthing rare remixes, overlooked collaborations, and significant moments in music history to preserve them on high-quality physical media. This release is a definitive Ricardo Villalobos remix of Beck, anchoring a project that spans minimal techno, UK bass, and Afrobeat.

The centerpiece of the record is Ricardo Villalobos’ expansive, 14-minute reworking of Beck’s ‘Cellphone’s Dead.’ Originally surfacing in 2006, this remix remains a masterclass in abstract production. Villalobos deconstructs the American artist’s original vocal performance, reassembling it within a framework of shifting percussion and intricate sound design that has become a hallmark of his minimal techno output.

The AA-side shifts the focus toward the UK electronic scene, featuring a collaboration between Four Tet and Floating Points alongside vocalist Katy B. Their track, ‘Calm Down,’ serves as a playful, bass-heavy house cut that highlights the distinct production instincts of Kieran Hebden and Sam Shepherd. The record also features a powerful collaboration between Detroit techno pioneer Jeff Mills and the legendary Nigerian drummer Tony Allen. Their track, ‘Locked And Loaded,’ utilizes layered live percussion and brooding organ textures to bridge the gap between Afrobeat and contemporary dance music.

Closing the release is ‘Recat,’ a collaborative effort between Ricardo Villalobos and Max Loderbauer. This track leans into a more delicate, experimental aesthetic, utilizing acoustic recordings and subtle rhythmic movements to showcase a more spacious side of the artists’ collaborative work. REV005 stands as a testament to the depth of the Universal Music Group archive and the enduring influence of these artists on the global electronic landscape.

REV005 is available as a limited-edition heavyweight vinyl pressing via Re:versal Records.