Junkie XL, who found international success with his 2002 remix of Elvis' "A Little Less Conversation," will release his third artist album, Radio JXL: Abroadcastfromthecomputerhellcabin, on February 10th.

The Dutch producer (a.k.a. Tom Holkenborg) included the Elvis track on the two-CD set alongside original vocal performances from the Cure's Robert Smith, Gary Numan, Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan, Public Enemy's Chuck D, the Specials' Terry Hall and soul legend Solomon Burke.

"I started out making twenty to twenty-five tracks," Holkenborg says. "I sent them out to the vocalists and they all came back. It was super exciting. Gary Numan came into the studio, and I fell off my chair."

Smith, who appears on "PerfectBlueSky," was another highlight for the producer. "He's one of my big heroes," Holkenborg says. "He knew exactly what the track needed, and he came up with the right vocal. As soon as Robert starts singing it's instant Cure. Even if he sang on top a Bon Jovi song, it would sound like the Cure."

Radio JXL was crafted over three years in Holkenborg's Amsterdam studio. The collaborations are the result of studio visits, Internet links or -- in the case of Chuck D, who adds a tough rap to "AccessToTheExcess" -- just regular mail. "Chuck D is the only person who I never communicated with," Holkenborg said. "I sent him out the track and he sent it back saying, 'Here are the vocals. I love the track. Have fun with it.' Sometimes you don't have to meet."

Junkie XL will kick off a U.S. tour in March at Miami's Winter Music Conference.

JOLIE LASH
(February 3, 2004)