Paul Anka's new Rock Swings on Verve is an interesting and slightly arresting record. It has some very good, and many very unique moments. The premise isn't new -- the reinterpretation of classic songs by an established singer -- it's just the unusual context that's, well, interesting. Rather than revisit swing standards, Anka has collected a neat set of arrangements that put his personal swing into a whole new swing set. These are recent pop/rock hits and anthems. Rock Swings does, and Anka is swingin' the vocals from start to finish. His instrument is intact, and his sense of cool icier than ever. What's more than slightly off the beaten track isn't the treatment, it's the selection of material. You've got to admire the nerve of Paul Anka for making musical sense of what could have been every A&R man's worst nightmare.

The CD was recorded at the legendary Capitol Studios, and features a tight, crispy Hollywood orchestra that would have made Dino, Frank or Bobby feel right at home. Randy Kerber does most of the arranging, knows how to get the most from his band, showcase a song, and frame a vocal in just the right light. REM's "Everybody Hurts" is transformed from a leather jacket torch song to a trench coat and fedora heartache. "It's a heartache either way, but beautiful." When the collection is at it's most successful is when it plays to the commonalities inherit in pop music. Love, loss, ennui and disillusionment are at the heart of postmodern pop, whatever the original groove.

"It's My Life" is a Bon Jovi tune. Anka gives it a "Best Is Yet To Come" treatment. It's gritty. It's soulful. It's also swinging, but for a moment you find yourself wondering how much Jon actually borrowed from the whole Rat Pack deal. It doesn't just work: it actually makes sense. The Sinatra references, the clipped back beat horn pops, the crisp snare, all subtly transform you and win you over. Don't be mislead; this is radical, whack, totally different, but hummm. These might be "real" songs after all.

Paul Anka, songwriter extrordinaire, knows what makes the tick tock in a song. He has a natural sense of form, both musically and lyrically. It seems more likely to have Jon Bon Jovi sing "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" than the reverse, but everything Anka ever wrote has been sung by casts of thousands. Turnabout is fair play, and Marshall Crenshaw (another cool songwriter) said "I never bother with the usual thing."

Rock Swings isn't usual. It is interesting. At times it's brilliant, and throughout it's sincere and musical. On cuts like "Tears In Heaven," it's touching, tender and wise. Paul Anka's experience and talent give him an incredible musical perspective, and this CD looks at these tunes from a unique angle.

By Dave Morgan