BY SUJIN THOMAS

FOR someone as prolific as Peter Gabriel, the idea of an album of covers seems strange, perhaps even unnerving. All that he has achieved over the past three or four decades - including setting up the renowned World Of Music, Arts and Dance (Womad) festival in 1982 - are the result of his own creativity and merits.

The former singer of progressive rock-band Genesis also has seven studio albums under his name, marked by his brassy timbre which has only grown raspier with age.

So, what's with this album of covers from the 60-year-old? I bet no one saw that coming.

Yet Scratch My Back has been two years in the making, and comes with a wicked twist. In the album's liner notes, Gabriel writes: "I thought it would be much more fun to create a new type of project in which artists communicated with each other and swopped a song for a song."

Here, Gabriel keeps his choices fresh and contemporary, reworking tracks from Radiohead, Arcade Fire and Regina Spektor, to name a few.

All the songs are styled in a minimalist vein, sans guitars and drums. Arranger John Metcalfe adds orchestral backing - courtesy of the London Scratch Orchestra - and breathes new life into many older classics, including David Bowie's Heroes.

One gripe though (and this should affect loyal Radiohead fans): His cover of Street Spirit (Fade Out) is half sung and half spoken, leaving the listener jarred and somewhat confused.

However, his take on Elbow's Mirrorball adds new dimensions to the original. Gabriel's voice, on this offering, bears a startling resemblance to Elbow singer Guy Garvey's vocals. The end effect? Grand.

The Book Of Love, a  bittersweet ballad by The Magnetic Fields, is transformed into an anthemic gesture of lovelor  lust, emoted with a perfectly harmonised string section. Gabriel's daughter, Melanie, also lends her vocals to it.

It is perhaps his finest moment on this record and an indication of his undying relevance. Best yet, this record's companion, titled I'll Scratch Yours, will feature the artists Gabriel has paid tribute to, and is slated to be released later this year.

Call it cool. Hot. Whatever. We can't wait.

myp@sph.com.sg

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