In a move that makes us wonder whether he wants us to rock out or take a nap, former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker has partnered up with Britain’s National Trust, an organization that protects and perseveres historic sites in the U.K., to release an album that isn’t so much music as “a collection of recordings and general noise” recorded at the scenic landmarks. According to Cocker, “It’s not really meant to be listened to intently, like a piece of music, but more as something to have on in the background to aid relaxation or contemplation . . . I hope it has the feel of one continuous journey and conjures up an image in the mind’s eye of the places featured.”

National Trust: The Album, which you can download for free here, features 13 tracks that include the noise from creaking stairs, ticking clocks, wind, and the sounds of gardeners working. It’s a response to research showing that 83% of people “say that interrupting sounds make it difficult for them to concentrate” and 88% of people believe listening to bird noises helps them concentrate. After the jump, let us know how the album affects your concentration (that is, if it doesn’t totally put you to sleep) and learn about five other strange records recorded in stranger places. … Read More