Trevor Horn, the super producer who “invented the sound of the eighties”, as he is often described, thanks to his work with Yes, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Grace Jones, Malcolm McLaren and Dollar, publishes a new project in December. In ‘Echoes – Ancient & Modern’, Horn has recovered 11 classics (from the eighties and later) and re-recorded them with the collaboration of different guest stars and totally new orchestral arrangements.
Horn himself sings the Roxy Music classic, ‘Avalon’ and produces Marc Almond, Tori Amos, Rick Astley, Andrea Corr, Steve Hogarth, Lady Blackbird, Jack Lukeman, Iggy Pop, Seal and Toyah Wilcox & Robert Fripp on songs performed originally by Pat Benatar, The Cars, Depeche Mode, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Billy Idol, Joe Jackson, Grace Jones, Kendrick Lamar, Nirvana and Yes. Among the curiosities, Tori Amos covers Kendrick, or Iggy Pop covers Depeche Mode.
‘Echoes – Ancient & Modern’ goes on sale on CD, vinyl and digital on December 1, accompanied by a booklet that includes an interview with the producer conducted by his long-time friend and collaborator Paul Morley.
Three singles have already been released from ‘Echoes – Ancient & Modern’. ‘Slave to the Rhythm’, originally by Grace Jones, transforms into a ballad with the voice of Lady Blackbird. Afterwards, Seal sings ‘Steppin’ Out’ by Joe Jackson, letting himself be soaked in the rhythms of easy-listening and bossa nova. And, for a few days now, it has been possible to listen to ‘Love is a Battlefield’ by Pat Benatar sung by Marc Almond, which stands out from the rest of the singles with its decidedly synth-pop and electro sound.
This is the tracklist for ‘Echoes – Ancient & Modern’:
01 – Swimming Pools (Drank) feat. Tori Amos
02 – Steppin’ Out feat. Signal
03 – Owner Of A Lonely Heart feat. Rick Astley
04 – Slave To The Rhythm feat. Lady Blackbird
05 – Love Is A Battlefield feat. Marc Almond
06 – Personal Jesus feat. Iggy Pop
07 – Drive feat. Steve Hogarth
08 – Relax feat. Toyah Wilcox & Robert Fripp
09 – White Wedding feat. Andrea Corr with Jack Lukeman
10 – Smells Like Teen Spirit feat. Jack Lukeman
11 – Avalon
