Barry Manilow: I'm still hip

Barry Manilow is still cool at the age of 61 - and he has the record collection to prove it.

Despite his reputation for classic covers and cheesy ballads, the veteran crooner is constantly checking out new bands and is completely clued up on the latest hot acts.

The I Wanna Do It With Your star says: "The Scissor Sisters? I was one of the first people in California to have that CD.

"Franz Ferdinand. Bought it weeks ago.

"Tell me honestly, am I not the hippest man on this planet?

"What it all comes down to is taste. I have good taste. And I don't even mind terrible taste. What I can't stand is all the stuff in between. Mediocrity is offensive to me, and we're living in a world awash with it, where the popular arts are concerned."