Today marks the U.S. release of an album I have been eagerly anticipating: Heroes, presented by War Child – an international network of organizations working to help children affected by war.
According to their website, War Child International “was founded upon a fundamental goal: to advance the cause of peace through investing hope in the lives of children caught up in the horrors of war.”
Proceeds from the sales of this fantastic collection will support War Child International’s emergency relief and long term rehabilitation programs to improve the living conditions and mental well-being of kids in war-torn regions.
The album was shaped by a very cool premise: 15 rock icons were asked to select a favorite track from their back catalogue and then nominate a new artist to reinterpret it.
I’ve heard two tracks from it, both of which I love.
TV on the Radio’s recreation of David Bowie’s “Heroes” is a joyful homage to an already gorgeous song. So too does Lily Allen’s take on The Clash’s “Straight to Hell” add a new feeling to one of my classic favorites. (preview this track here)
The complete lineup looks like this:
Beck (Bob Dylan – “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat”)
The Kooks (The Kinks – “Victoria”)
The Hold Steady (Bruce Springsteen – “Atlantic City”)
Hot Chip (Joy Division – “Transmission”)
Lily Allen feat. Mick Jones (The Clash – “Straight To Hell”)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs (The Ramones – “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker”)
Franz Ferdinand (Blondie – “Call Me”)
Duffy (Paul McCartney – “Live And Let Die”)
Estelle (Stevie Wonder – “Superstition”)
Rufus Wainwright (Brian Wilson –“ Wonderful & Song For Children”)
Scissor Sisters (Roxy Music – “Do The Strand”)
Peaches (Iggy Pop – “Search And Destroy”)
Adam Cohen (Leonard Cohen – “Take This Waltz”)
Elbow (U2 – “Running To Stand Still”)
The Like (Elvis Costello – “You Belong To Me”)
TV On The Radio (David Bowie – “Heroes”)