The sixteenth volume in the Red Hot series of compilations, which raise funds for AIDS research, is coming in 2009, featuring a very Starbucks-friendly duet between Ben Gibbard and Feist, as well as tracks from David Byrne, Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, and The National (who are also producing the compilation). The fact that there are fifteen volumes in the series blew my mind, especially as the series has done a good job of capturing various trends in music since the first volume hit stores in 1990.
The first volume, Red, Hot and Blue, collected covers of Cole Porter songs, including “Night and Day” performed by U2:
Red, Hot and Dance was possibly most notable for featuring three tracks from George Michael, left over from the Listen WIthout Prejudice Volume 2 sessions, including the model strewn “Too Funky”:
1993’s No Alternative has tracks by Barbara Manning and The Verlaines, and was one of the better purchases I ever made at the Wherehouse location by my high school. Oh, there were also songs by Nirvana, Soundgarden and “Glynis” by the Smashing Pumpkins:
Fast forward past tributes to Antonio Carlos Jobim, Portugal, and “Rock en Español” quite a bit to Red Hot and Riot, a hit and miss tribute to Fela Kuti, but this track with D’Angelo, Femi Kuti and Macy Gray isn’t bad:
No word if there’s a theme to the newest compilation, between a good cause and a National track, I’m likely to pick up a copy.
Yesterday I had “Too Funky” stuck in my head for no particular reason. Just thought I’d share that.
re: No Alternative, let’s not forget that it’s also Barbara Manning COVERING the Verlaines…so good. And that totally raw version of “Iris” by the Breeders. I’d kinda stumbled upon it in the same way, snagging it for, like, $2 from some cut-out bin at one of those traveling head shop poster sales that tend to descend upon student unions…
@thearcanemodel: No Alternative is one of my favorites, too. So many great covers - Uncle Tupelo’s cover of “Effigy” was one of my favorites.
And I share the love of the Breeders “Iris”. Now, if only I can find the CD again!
I’d like to mention Pavement’s killer “Unseen Power of the Picket Fence” from No Alternative, which they refused to perform here in Athens once because Michael Stipe was in the audience. I really think they should have done it, though I do like “Time After Time”.
@scarletvirtue (ΣΣΣ): i also have a big soft spot for the buffalo tom song.
i also ALSO just remembered that “red hot and bothered” super-indie one which is nearly as awesome! more verlaines (with shane mcgowan!)(seriously, who was in charge of booking these things? they get a gold star), bob pollard/kim deal, the sea and cake, a hilarious heavenly song…
i can’t say i’m that jazzed about the lineup for this upcoming comp, but at least it’s made me remember all of the great songs on the previous ones!
i really liked the luscious jackson song on the gershwin tribute, although i have a feeling that wouldn’t have aged particularly well…
@scarletvirtue (ΣΣΣ): “YESSSS!!!” to that Uncle Tupelo cover.