A Good Cause AND Good Music!

In two weeks, 4AD is going to release the best compilation album ever... well, compiled. Not only is it being produced by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National, but it's for a good cause!

"A total of thirty-two exclusive tracks have been recorded for the compilation, which will be available as a double cd, triple vinyl and download album, with profits benefitting the Red Hot Organization - an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS"

Double CD? Triple vinyl?? Download album??? Ok, that last part isn't that special, but seriously, if giving your money to a great cause isn't a good enough reason to buy this album the day it comes out (February 17th), then check out this unbelievable playlist! Some of the songs are new, some are reworkings of the artist's previous output, and a good number are covers. Each day, the album's MySpace page will be playing a different song until February 14th, so make sure to check back often.

With so much talent at the table, it's hard to pick favorites, but an early front runner would have to be Justin Vernon. "Big Red Machine" with Aaron Dessner is phenomenal, opening with strings and transitioning into a very National-esque piano-driven melody. But it's Vernon's multi-track vocals that completely mesmerize. Combined with his band's (Bon Iver) "Brackett, WI," Vernon stands tall among many of his peers, proving that his breakout 2008 album "For Emma, Forever Ago" was no fluke. Expect more thoughts on him in the near future...