DJ Shadow has made two new tracks available to download from his website for 24 hours.

The tracks, ‘Def Surrounds Us’ and ‘I’ve Been Trying’, were recently premiered on a limited edition 12″ (crafted by The Vinyl Factory) which featured original artwork hand-drawn by the producer and were made available in selected record stores in the UK and US.

Shadow has been working on a new album, scheduled for release in May 2011. His plan is to release new music as he completes via limited runs of vinyl and downloads.

“The idea is ‘shop-placing;’ it’s the opposite of shoplifting. 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. No hype, no shouting, no shot-in-the-void online campaign. Just, ‘here you go…I’m glad you found it, and I hope you enjoy it.'”

“All of the covers are different. Some are intricate, some are simple, but the theme is ‘don’t think, just draw.’ Almost like a stream-of-conscious, ongoing series of cartoon doodles.”

“I’d rather give away free vinyl than a download, because to me, downloads are so impersonal and soulless. 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.”

“Still, there are plans to eventually offer the music on download…at least for a while. I realize that many people don’t use vinyl anymore, and I don’t want to be intentionally obscure. Then after the dust has settled, I’ll see what worked and what didn’t. It’s all about trying as many different methods as possible, so that when the album comes out next Spring, I’ll be informed and hopefully be able to offer an experience that resonates with people beyond the realms of what they’re used to.”

More info here.