Beck revealed in a recent interview that health problems have been one of the main reasons for his taking so long to release a new album.

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat

It’s been six years since Beck has released a full length album of new material, but things are looking up. Morning Phase, his 12th studio LP and followup to 2008’s Modern Guilt is set for a February release. In an interview with Argentinian news site Pagina12, he explained the delay, siting, among other things, a spinal injury that has put a temporary but lengthy damper on his creative process:

I had severe damage to my spine, but now it’s improving so I’m back in the music. It was a long, long recovery. Lately I concentrated on playing guitar. Do not think I can move again as before, although I can give a lot onstage.

Despite the setback, Beck’s done a good job of keeping his fans satisfied in the interim. With a book of sheet music, a handful of standalone singles, and a busy performance schedule, it seems like he hasn’t been letting the injury get him down.

In the meantime, be sure to look into Beck’s upcoming Song Reader performance in Los Angeles on November 24th.