THE BBC owns one of the best archives in the world. Many would argue that this growing library of events, history, sporting achievement, entertainment and music is one of the world’s greatest riches.

A tiny part of this library is represented in this precious collection of acoustic interpretations of modern song, commissioned by BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge team. Being such a great concept, the absolute hierarchy of rock have to participate. Thus we are treated to U2’s Beautiful Day, Elbow’s One Day Like This and Lady Gaga’s Poker Face, played in the most intimate of settings. Of particular note, P!NK’s stripped interpretation of Family Portrait adds a fragile and heartbreaking poignancy and showcases the pop star as a serious artist.

Even more so, left-field and unexpected cover versions make this set unmissable. The more outrageous the better. Who would possibly have thought of the Arctic Monkey’s covering Girls Aloud’s Love Machine or Kylie interpreting The Hurt’s Wonderful Life? Best moment of all goes to McFly adding a disturbing tone to their absolutely inspired cover of Katy Perry’s I Kissed A Girl.