Jarvis Cocker announces new solo EP Likely Stories, launches treasure hunt

The series will air in the UK on 26 May, and is created by directors Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard (the pair behind Nick Cave film 20,000 Days On Earth). It's based on a handful of short stories by the one and only Neil Gaiman.

“Four grubby tales set in all night cafes, low rent drinking dens and doctor’s surgeries..." Cocker said of the show. "I didn't have to leave my comfort zone for this assignment."

Cocker worked with Alasdair Malloy (Scott Walker), Bas Jan (Serafina Steer, Sarah Anderson, Jenny Moore), Martin Slattery (The Hours, Black Grape), and Tom Skinner (Melt Yourself Down). Portishead's Adrian Utley makes a guest appearance.

The EP is out today in record stores as a 7", and will be released digitally from 27 May. It's Cocker's first solo music since 2009's Further Complications record.

Pre-order from Rough Trade.

If you want to get your grubby paws on the via different means, Cocker's set up a special treasure hunt using Geo-Cache tech so fans can find copies across the EP. Head here for more info.

Listen to the main theme below, and then read the unusual tracklist after. The show's trailer can be found beneath that.

Side 1

1. “Theme From 'Likely Stories'” - a full-length version of the music heard over the opening titles of each episode. With a beat and a female choir.
2. “Foraging” - from the episode Feeders & Eaters. An inter-generational love affair goes too far. The lyrics list edible fungi found in the UK.

Side 2

1. “Looking For The Girl” - from the episode of the same name. An aging photographer reveals the unlikely identity of his muse.
2. “Poor Babes In The Woods” - from the episode Closing Time. Friends gather in an after-hours bar to swap “true” ghost stories. One tale - of an after-school encounter - leads to the unearthing of a dark secret.