Michael Caine was the personification of icy cool as secret agent Harry Palmer in The Ipcress File, but it wasn't until he wowed Elton John with his knowledge of downtempo ambient music that he realised he was a chill-out expert.

Now the Alfie actor, 74, has announced the name of his new chill-out album - Cained - a selection of his favourite mellow tracks.

He decided to embark on a new direction as a mixmaster after having dinner with Sir Elton. The pair were at the singer's mansion in Nice, in the south of France, listening to music when Sir Michael realised he was a chill-out music buff.

The movie star kept telling Sir Elton the name and date of recording of every track playing in the background.

The Get Carter, Zulu and Italian Job star said: "I've loved this type of music for years, and have hundreds of CDs.

"I've been buying them for about 15 years, and really know my way around.

"About ten years ago I started making my own compilations. I've always been interested in music, and over the years have made literally thousands of tapes. And with chill-out I suppose I finally found my forte."

Cained - the album, which will contain tracks from Chicane's No Ordinary Morning to Nina Simone and Felix Da Housecat's Sinnerman, will be released in September.

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