| REVIEWS
Waxploitation Records
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No doubt, generosity is in the air this month, as benefits for victims of last month's tsunami in South Asia fill NYC clubs and dive bars alike. As people around the world reach deep into their pockets to help the victims of this most recently debilitating natural disaster, it's important to note a more horrifying tragedy: as one cause is brought to the forefront, another slips behind the scenes. As part of their unparalleled dedicated effort to help the more permanently displaced victims of another, more human-caused tragedy, Waxploitation Records has put together a unique compilation release entitled Genocide in Sudan. Booty shakin' tunes donated by Jurassic 5, Jill Scott, Angelique Kidjo, and Mark Farina are flanked by political statements from Bad Religion, Rise Against, X-ecutioners, and The Nightwatchmen, and sonic inspirations by Gorillaz, Tortoise, Toots and The Maytals, and DJ Spooky, making this one of the most generously royalty-free and musically appealing label compilations in history. And unlike many benefit CDs, this one isn't full of trite messages or songs artists wouldn't even keep stashed away in their back catalog. Quite the contrary, it's chock full of 21 complete, brand spanking new tracks (or at least rarities) from artists you'd never, ever expect to hear on the same radio station, let alone the same album. The only real disappointments are the ones you'd already anticipated - Ono, a Pretenders remix, and System of a Down (unfortunately placed as the opener, unless it inspires hoards of self-loathing teenagers to forget their image for the moment and listen to the rest of the CD). So if you're looking to bulk up your collection with a diverse array of music you've always appreciated but never thought essential enough to shell out the cash for, now's your chance. And it's one of those "feel-good" purchases, too, knowing the entire proceeds go to The United Nations Refugee Agency and UNICEF's endeavors to aid those suffering displacement in Darfur. |