Venerated punk poet John Cooper Clarke is making his debut as a lead vocalist on a new album of classic American and British pop with Hugh Cornwell, a former member of the punk band The Stranglers. This Time It’s Personal, which will be released on 14 October, includes Cooper Clarke’s version of Macarthur Park, plus the Bard of Salford’s takes on other classics such as It’s Only Make Believe, Way Down Yonder in New Orleans, Spanish Harlem, Johnny Remember Me, She’s A Woman, Donna, Jezebel, Love Potion No 9, and Sweeter Than You.

Cornwell, who plays all the guitars and produced the album, said of 67-year-old Cooper Clarke’s vocal style: “No one knew he could sing!  When you tell people they go, 'You're kidding me.' ” More details