Elegant, Crystalline, Mysterious or Enervated, Chilly, Morose? In this rare interview, Europe's leading label boss explains to Richard Cook exactly what ECM stands for. This article originally appeared in The Wire 58.

Scott Walker, perhaps the most enigmatic singer of modern times, has returned with Tilt, his first recording since 1984. But is it a work of experimental genius or one man's towering folly?