Speculate to accumulate – when Michaela Polakova and Natalie Kocab wanted a guest guitarist for their album, ‘Ellis Island’, they went for their absolute favourite guitarist first, assuming they’d have to settle for less. In fact, ex-The Verve guitarist, Nick McCabe appeared on all but two tracks and has hailed it as some of the best work in his career. Anyhow, back to business…

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

1   Bjork – Pagan Poetry

I absolutely love this tune. It’s a magical, transcendental, heavenly piece…would love to make a string quartet cover.

2   The Verve  – Gravity Grave

My favourite The Verve track. Stunning! This track deserves full symphonic orchestra arrangements. Maybe in a combination with some electronics and loops.

3   Depeche Mode – Never Let Me Down Again

This is a genius video. I would make it as a contemporary rock piece with lots of guitars, inviting Nick McCabe for guitar parts. I also loved how Tori Amos did “Enjoy The Silence” cover with just a piano. Genius.

4    Alanis Morissette – Versions of Violence

Love this track. I’m thinking of a simple cover with just a piano.

5    Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Stagger Lee

This is Natalie Kocab’s favourite track. I can hear some cellos there and piano and brass instruments maybe?

6    Sade  – No Ordinary Love

With electronics and piano. My favourite love song.

7    George Michael – Older

So sad George Michael passed away…I still can’t get over it….

8   Suzanne Vega – Tom’s Diner

That’s a classic tune. Cover with a string quartet…

9    Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams

Love Annie Lennox. This would be a modern disco cover song.

10  Sting – Englishman In New York

I am addicted to this song. Strings and modern electronics in combination.

That’s a pretty great album now! I think I might do it anyway even without any label. Not sure if anybody wants to listen to these tunes by me though haha…