Legendary art rocker Peter Gabriel has come out with an album of unique covers old and new called Scratch My Back. His rendition of David Bowie’s “Heroes” is a transformation from a triumphant pop song to a gentle, bell-clear orchestral benediction.

Trailblazing “virtual band” Gorillaz just issued their latest Plastic Beach and the track “Stylo,” which features Bobby Womack and Mos Def. A modern, electronic drum and keyboard pattern backs soulful vocals and rapping and a fair share of bleeps and bloops.

Prolific British singer/songwriter Jamie Cullum has just released his fifth album The Pursuit and the track “Wheels.” Shades of Coldplay here, in a good way, with a rapid tempo, spare piano and expressive vocals.