War Child Heroes is a recently released compilation benefit album that was inspired by pictures drawn by children living in war torn countries.

The producers asked a select group of some of rock's best classic groups and artists to choose a song of their own and who they wanted to cover it (see the album cover image above for details). Bowie, for example, asked TV on the Radio to cover his song "Heroes" and Dylan requested Beck cover his track, "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat". Beck does a splitting R&B rock cover; I thought I knew all of Dylan's songs, but not sure I heard of this one before. But, still, nice choice Bob.

Not only is it a good cause to support, but the album, for the most part, is a great collection of cover songs from artists and bands such as The Kooks, TV on the Radio, Hot Chip, Beck, Franz Ferdinand, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and many others.

The only thing I don't understand is the seemingly lack of editorial sensitivity with allowing song titles themselves like "Search and Destroy" (Iggy Pop and Stooges), covered by Peaches (and not very well at that) and "Straight to Hell" (The Clash) covered by Lily Allen with Mick Jones. Sure, the originals are great songs, but maybe not for a benefit album for children ravaged by war? Oops.

"Victoria" (The Kinks) - The Kooks from the benefit covers album War Child - Heroes Vol.1

"Victoria" - The Kinks from the classic 1969 Brit rock album Arthur (the Decline and Fall of the British Empire). The album, and the popular hit track, still rock today; the song was featured in the movie The Parent Trap)

"Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat" (Bob Dylan) - Beck from War Child - Heroes Vol. 1

Your purchase of War Child Heroes compilation will go directly to help children - innocents caught in the middle, and the victims of, the shit that stupid adults do. It's maddening. As adults, whether we have our own children or not, it is our responsibility to protect children where ever they are threatened in the world. I feel really strongly about that.

The following information is from the War Child organization's literature:

War Child helps protect children by:

• reintegrating child soldiers with their families
• getting children off the streets, after war has forced them to leave home
• separating children from adults in prison
• rebuilding schools destroyed by war
• lobbying politicians to do more for children affected by war
• empowering the public to get involved.

Labels: Benefit Albums