You’re on your fourth album with a major label – they insist you do a covers album, whereby you interpret your favourite works in your own style. Please select the ten tracks you’d ideally like to cover, along with a brief explanation as to why that artist or track means something to you.
You’re allowed ONE guest artist on the album to contribute to one track

The Holy Mackerel – “Scorpio Red”. Obscure garage pop song from the 1960s. Mystic and sexy…just like me.

Chico Buarque – “Construção”. Probably my all-time favourite song. Poetry, drama, rage and music mastery at maximum volume. One of the few songs I think I couldn’t really measure up to.

Elizabeth Cotten – “Freight Train”. A track that tears my heart up everytime I listen to it. She used to play it with just guitar and voice – I would like to try to make some Brian Wilson-esque arrangement for this song.

Madonna – “Beautiful Stranger”. It would be a revenge against all the band mates who refused to cover it. I think this song could turn into a spellbinding psychedelic trip.

Colin Blunstone – “Caroline Goodbye”. Classy and poignant. I’m gonna break your heart tonight, baby.

France Gall – “Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son”. The perverted creative gaze of Serge Gainsbourg on France’s lovely angel face. An unbelievable melody. A rhythmic section that sounds like a hurtling train. The challenge of singing in French.

Trad. (Salvatore Di Giacomo/Mario Pasquale Costa) – “Era de Maggio”. The splendour of the good old Neapolitan song. When Italy meant great music.

The Vapors – “Turning Japanese”. Because, sometimes, we need some fun.

Elton John – “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”. I’ve always considered it a brilliant song with a poltroon arrangement. I would transform it into something epic and grandiose.

The Foundations – “Build Me Up, Buttercup”. Orchestral version Guest artist on track – Stevie Wonder