February's Full Moon not only sees Peter's regular video update to the site, but also the second double A-side release on iTunes of 'The Boy In The Bubble' and Paul Simon's reciprocal cover of 'Biko'. You can hear Peter, Paul Simon, Bob Ezrin and John Metcalf talk about the two songs and the recording process in our video about the two tracks. Last month's release of 'The Book Of Love' and Stephin Merritt's version of 'Not One Of Us' remains available in the iTunes Store.

'Scratch My Back', the album, has arrived (except in the U.S.A where it is on pre-order until March 2nd) and is available direct on CD, Vinyl and download. CD and vinyl purchasers get instant access to an MP3 version of the album (all pre-order by U.S customers include an instant download of The Magnetic Fields' track from the album, 'The Book of Love.'. We also have a new addition, 'Scratch My Back' t-shirts on pre-order. We will be giving more details on a deluxe box-set with exclusive content very soon.

You can get a taste of the album in Peter's introductory podcast series. You may have seen the now finalised track-listing and running-order we published in the 'news' section - if so, it will be no surprise to read that the album will feature Peter's recordings of Heroes (David Bowie), The Boy in the Bubble (Paul Simon), Mirrorball (Elbow), Flume (Bon Iver), Listening Wind (Talking Heads), The Power of the Heart (Lou Reed), My Body is a Cage (Arcade Fire), The Book of Love (The Magnetic Fields), I Think it's Going to Rain Today (Randy Newman), Après Moi (Regina Spektor), Philadelphia (Neil Young) and Street Spirit (Fade Out) (Radiohead).

Peter describes this as a very personal record with the twelve songs performed only with orchestral instruments and voice. To help craft the recording Peter enlisted John Metcalfe as arranger, the expertise of producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd's 'The Wall', Lou Reed's 'Berlin') and the engineer, mixer and producer Tchad Blake (Suzanne Vega, Sheryl Crow, Tom Waits) and was also supported by his long time sound engineer Richard "Dickie" Chappell.

'Scratch My Back' was recorded at George Martin's Air Lyndhurst Studios and the Real World Temple with further editing back here at Real Worlds Studios in Wiltshire. Those lucky enough to be at last summers WOMAD Charlton Park got a preview of the record when Peter opened his set with Paul Simon's 'The Boy In The Bubble' and 'The Book of Love' from The Magnetic Fields. Hopefully we'll be able to let the rest of you hear some excerpts soon.