Peter Gabriel Gives Arcade Fire Song a Symphonic Makeover

Peter Gabriel fronting an orchestra? That was inevitable, of course, but his program selections are both untraditional and eye-catching. Gabriel recently rearranged a dozen rock covers, giving them a symphonic makeover. Featuring songs by artists including David Bowie, Radiohead, Talking Heads and Bon Iver, the resulting CD, 'Scratch My Back,' will hit stores on February 15. For a sneak preview, check out Gabriel's take on the Arcade Fire's "My Body Is a Cage," currently streaming over at Stereogum.

'Scratch My Back' is the first of a two-part project which will flip things around for the second half when the dozen artists Gabriel chose to cover will then, in turn, offer their respective interpretations of his originals. But first, Gabriel will support 'Scratch My Back' with a handful of international dates this spring, including two shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York and one at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The 'New Blood Tour' will feature a full orchestra instead of a rock band. In other words -- big time.