It is fitting for a band like The Clash to have their songs reimagined for a good cause. The proceeds of Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats will benefit the work of the International Rescue Committee, an organization that has helped the victims of crisis by providing health care, shelter and education. Most bands who signed up for a cover took the safe route by choicing the best known tracks, but there a few deep cuts like Hitsville U.K. by American singer Seรกn Barna and Deny by Dutch art-rock trio Labasheeda.
None of the bands tried to replicate the hurried energy of "the only band matters", but as a rule opted instead for slowed down reinterprations, taking cues from triphop, dub and shoegaze. Seattle’s Smokey Brights managed to make Train In Vain even more desperate than the original and Julia Massey appears to be taking a leisurely stroll exploring the merchandise at the market with Rock The Casbah.
Cover albums as a rule are mixed bag, with a few gems sitting next to well-meant but boring versions. Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats however, is a collection without any weak tracks. So don't hesitate to order the vinyl here. Good music and a good cause, so what's not to like? It comes with a download code. The digital version comes with a bonus track: Montreal psychedelic rock band Teke::Teke's version of Bankrobber. Release date: February 7th.
Side A:
- Straight To Hell – The Dandy Warhols
- Bankrobber – Teke::Teke (digital bonus track)
- I’m Not Down – Mirah
- Guns of Brixton – The Rust and The Fury
- Deny – Labasheeda
Side B:
- Train In Vain (Stand By Me) – Smokey Brights
- Hitsville U.K. – Seรกn Barna
- I’m So Bored with the USA – The Gotobeds
- Rock The Casbah – Julia Massey of Warren Dunes
- Lost In The Supermarket – Big League
