Jarvis Cocker Records Track With Classic Crooner Tony Christie

Jarvis Cocker is to guest on the new album by legendary crooner and fellow Sheffield star Tony Christie.

The former Pulp singer turned BBC 6 Music DJ has reworked the theme from Michael Caine's classic 1971 British gangster movie, 'Get Carter,' for the follow-up to Christie's acclaimed 2008 album, 'Made in Sheffield.'

The new LP, entitled 'Now Is the Time,' and to be released on Acid Jazz in January 2011, will be Christie's first for the label.

For Acid Jazz, the east London soul specialists best known for their work with Jamiroquai and Brand New Heavies, Christie could be seen as something of a radical departure, but label boss Eddie Piller disagrees.

"The massive success of 'Amarillo' a few years ago cemented Tony Christie's iconic status," he says in a statement sent to Spinner. "He's put down some killer tunes. I am extremely excited, and once you've heard the material, I reckon you will be, too.

"Ever since I heard 'Avenues and Alleyways' as a kid, which Christie recorded for Gerry Anderson's cult TV programme, 'The Protectors,' I've wanted to get him into the studio, and at last I've done it."

Piller continues, "The spread on the album is amazing. [It's] quite filmic but with some nods to Johnny Cash, spaghetti Westerns and a classic soul sound."

'Now Is the Time' also includes collaborations with former Moloko singer Roisin Murphy and other as yet unnamed artists and will be accompanied by a 40-date tour early next year.

Jarvis and Christie's take on Roy Budd's 'Get Carter' theme isn't the first time it's been tackled by artists from Sheffield. In the early 80s, Human League's 'Dare' album included a minute-long instrumental version.