I know we just got done with the 2008 lists, but this one's clamoring for my top compilation spot for '09 already!
Not only is the track list out of the stratosphere, but a portion of the proceeds go to charity, too. Read on (bracketed emphasis mine, obvi):
WAR CHILD ANNOUNCE HEROES FULL TRACK LIST AND ARTIST LINEUP
HEROES TO BE RELEASED FEBRUARY 24, 2009 ON ASTRALWERKS RECORDS
For immediate release:
War Child and Astralwerks Records are pleased to announce the full track list and artist lineup for the new benefit album, Heroes, which will be released on February 24, 2009. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Heroes will go to support War Child, an award winning charity that provides humanitarian assistance to war-affected children in some of the most devastated regions of the world.
The album's concept mirrors one of the intrinsic aims of War Child's effors in war zones around the world — to place faith in the next generation. We asked some of the biggest legends in music history to select a classic track from their own songwriting canon, and nominate an artist from the next generation to create a modern reworking of that classic song. This album is the result: 16 exclusive and truly inspired cover versions.
The track list in full:
1. Beck (Bob Dylan – "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat")
2. The Kooks (The Kinks – "Victoria") [!!!!!]
3. The Hold Steady (Bruce Springsteen – "Atlantic City")
4. Hot Chip (Joy Division – "Transmission")
5. Lily Allen feat. Mick Jones [YOW!] (The Clash – "Straight to Hell")
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs (The Ramones – "Sheena is a Punk Rocker") [okay, stop it!]
7. Franz Ferdinand (Blondie – "Call Me") [this is getting ridiculous…]
8. Duffy (Paul McCartney – "Live and Let Die")
9. Estelle (Stevie Wonder – "Superstition")
10. Rufus Wainwright (Brian Wilson – "Wonderful & Song For Children") [!!!!!]
11. Scissor Sisters (Roxy Music – "Do the Strand")
12. Peaches (Iggy Pop – "Search and Destroy")
13. Adam Cohen (Leonard Cohen – "Take This Waltz")
14. Elbow [GET OUT!] (U2 – "Running to Stand Still")
15. The Like (Elvis Costello – "You Belong To Me")
16. TV on the Radio (David Bowie – "Heroes")
I think I just had a heart attack.
Tons of information on the album, the charity, and so much more at War Child's website. I can not wait to get my hands on this!