Mark Ronson Drafts In Lily Allen and Robbie Williams For Album

Producer extraordinaire Mark Ronson has drafted in the likes of Robbie Williams and Lily Allen to appear on his second album.

The aptly titled ‘Versions’ is released on April 16 and features 12 classic songs recreated and remashed by the acclaimed producer.

The album will be preceded by a limited edition, number 10” single on January 29, which sees samples of the late ODB layered over reinterpretations of Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ and Coldplay’s ‘God Put A Smile On Your Face.’

Elsewhere on the album, Allido’s Daniel Merriweather lends vocals to a version of The Smiths’ ‘Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before’, which merges into ‘You Just Keep Me Hanging On.’

Explaining the album’s direction, Ronson said: “With my first album, I had all these people like Mos Def and M.O.P guesting. This time it’s not about that. Despite the big names, it’s about the songs…the songs here are the guest stars.

“With ‘Version’ I’ve taken these songs that I love and turned them into Motown/Stax 70’s versions. I keep the utmost respect and appreciation for the original versions of songs I use.

“It’s not like I’m thinking it’s a shit song that I can make good, it’s more like it’s a great song and I’m now going to make it bounce.”

Mark Ronson’s production credits include Amy Winehouse, Ghostface Killah, Lily Allen, Robbie Williams and Christina Aguilera.