Def Surrounds Us / I've Been Trying

Limited to 100 copies pressed on a "midnight satin" blue vinyl, with a heavyweight 180 grams pressing. It is said to be unofficial prior to the final release during Summer 2011. There is a small stamp on the back of the cover that claims the release to have a handmade sleeve, it reads: "HANDMADE - Because you're worth it". This release was first given away during Shadow's Tour 2010 in Antwerp, Belgium the 9th of August, after a quiz on "what will be the title for Shadow's next LP?". At the Spirit of Burgas Festival in Bulgaria the 14th of August, Shadow gave some copies to James Lavelle and Remi (from Gorillaz), and tried to hit only DJs. A few other copies were dropped at Soul Jazz Records in London the 22nd of August, some (well hidden) available online. On the 28th of August, a very few copies were available for free at djshadow.com, this was announced on twitter, and gone in a blink. More details from "The Quietus" website (DJ Shadow interview by John Doran) "Can you tell me about the artwork on ‘Def Surrounds Us’? DS: On the 12”s, all of the sleeves are one-offs...In most cases I would have my kids doodle something and then when they got bored with it I would add my own hyper detail to it. I’m not a great illustrator but I like to draw and my dad was a graphic designer. I like spending a lot of time on pointillism and detail...In some of them I’ve even added a little note that says, “Please add to the artwork before you pass it along.” We’ve added stickers on some. I like the idea that the art is never quite finished." Mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London. Manufactured by The Vinyl Factory, London.