If you caught the end of the Academy Awards on Sunday night, you got to hear Beck’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat,” which can be found on this week’s release of War Child: Heroes. Proceeds from the album benefit the War Child organization, which works with children affected by war in Iraq, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The concept for the collection is fantastic: 15 iconic musicians select one song from their own back catalogue and ask a contemporary artist of their choosing to create a unique interpretation. You’ll find Lily Allen covering The Clash, Elbow covering U2, The Kooks covering The Kinks, and a whole lot more. Although a glance at the track list is surely enough to make you rush out and buy the album, you can preview it here and watch the trailer:
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For more of this week’s releases, which include excellent new albums from Black Lips, Clem Snide, Kinky, Laura Gibson, Here We Go Magic, and others, check out Largehearted Boy’s list and preview these fine songs below:
from 200 Million Thousand on Vice
The Bran Flakes - Stumble Out of Bed (MP3)
from I Have Hands on Illegal Art
Laura Barrett - Bluebird (MP3)
from Victory Garden on Paper Bag Records
Clem Snide - Me No (MP3)
from Hungry Bird on 429 Records
Laura Gibson - Spirited (MP3)
from Beast of Seasons on Hush Records
Here We Go Magic - Fangela (MP3)
from Here We Go Magic on Western Vinyl
Jar-e - An Idea (MP3)
From Chicas Malas on Exotic Recordings
Kicksville - Surrender (MP3)
From The Singles - Season 1: Collector’s Edition on Ropeadope Digital
Kinky - Hasta Quemarnos
from Barracuda on Nettwerk Music
K’Naan - Dreamer
from Troubador on A&M/Octone Records
The Lovetones - Journeyman (MP3)
from Dimensions on Planting Seeds Records
The Picture - Deer Crossing (MP3)
from the self-released Bluebirds EP
Spiritual Mansions - The Sweeter Side (MP3)
from Touched on Afternoon Records
Ume - The Conductor (MP3)
from Sunshower EP on Pretty Activity Records
Van Morrison - Sweet Thing
from Astral Weeks Live At The Hollywood Bowl on Listen To The Lion Records
Western Civ - I Am a Waterfall (MP3)
from the self-released Shower The People You Love With Gold
Window Twins - Maybe It’s Time (MP3)
from I’m This Tall City on Broken Twilight and Howells Transmitter
