Fast Chat: All You'd Ever Want

Tom Jones has a new CD, "Reloaded," an upcoming cameo on the Cartoon Network--and was featured in Scorsese's blues series. He talked to NEWSWEEK's Lorraine Ali about his newest moment in the spotlight.

"Reloaded" is a mix of greatest hits and new songs?

I've done duets with young bands that were hits in Europe. The songs represent different eras, but the most important is "It's Not Unusual." That started it all in 1965. Without that hit, I'd still be looking for one.

Why were you included in the blues series?

My foundation, my style, is really the blues. But once I did "It's Not Unusual" and "What's New, Pussycat?" people knew me as a pop singer.

Do you like today's pop?

I can't say I'm a fan. They're all about keeping their dance moves up to snuff. Though some people might say Tom Jones is a Vegas act, I'm less Vegas than a lot of new acts. I just have my band. No dancing girls.

Except for those in the audience, and they're often screaming.

Yes, I must say it happens.

You recently teamed up with art rockers the Flaming Lips to make a theme song for Duck Dodgers.

Right, and now they've made me into a cartoon where I play myself. Daffy Duck borrows my voice to win this talent contest. The only problem is, when I go to sing, I've got Daffy's voice.

You're going to have nightmares about that.

Love, I already have.