[Source: NME.com]  DJ Shadow has hidden two new songs in random record shops across Europe and the US.

The vinyl tracks, called “Def Surrounds Us” and “I've Been Trying”, have been given to selected stores in the UK and US, and also placed randomly in shops across Europe, where DJ Shadow is currently on tour.

Shadow has announced that he is to continue releasing new music as he completes it, via limited vinyl and download releases, with the two tracks above also available to download for free from DJShadow.com.

"The idea is “shop-placing”; it's the opposite of shoplifting," he said. "You go into a store, and leave your record in the racks to be discovered later. It's not about being cute, it's about passing the music along in the most unobtrusive way possible."

The DJ also gave his opinion on the way new music is typically distributed.

"I'd rather give away free vinyl than a download, because to me, downloads are so impersonal and soulless," he admitted. "In 2010, it has become akin to sending your dad an e-card on his birthday; no personality, no class. And from an artistic point of view, I think it sends a negative message about the worth of the music."

DJ Shadow's new album, currently untitled, is due for release in May 2011.