Sonic troubadour Beck has come out with all guns blazing in protest at the success being enjoyed by the likes of 'NSYNC and Britney Spears.

Labelling music of that ilk 'product' the US superstar insisted: "I remember when 'Loser' came out some people really hated that - that was the signal of music going down the drain.

"But now we're at a point where it's all 'NSYNC and Britney Spears and obviously that's what's happening now and people are realising, 'Well, maybe that wasn't so bad'."

He adds: "At least it's original, not this product. There's always been formula music.

He has even called for a return to the days of 'grunge', when the likes of Nirvana propelled dirging guitars and long, greasy hair to the top of the charts worldwide.

"I thought a lot of those fake grunge bands were pretty manufactured, didn't have a lot of heart and soul, but compared to now, it's like, 'Bring back the grunge pedal'."