SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: VARIOUS ARTISTS – HELP(2)

VARIOUS ARTISTS
HELP(2)
WAR CHILD RECORDS

War Child is a much-needed and important organization. It is an independent non-government institution, whose goal is ensuring a safe future for every child affected by war. It is an agency that many artists have assisted and promoted. In 1995, the first War Child HELP album was released featuring bands such as Radiohead, Blur, Oasis, and a supergroup formed for the project, The Smokin’ Mojo Filters, which featured Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, and Noel Gallagher. Since the first album, four more compilations have been released, as well as singles and EPs. HELP(2) is the sixth album, and with previous releases, a great deal of care and attention went in to make this album quite brilliant, supporting the very remarkable War Child.

Quite often, an album designed to raise money for a good cause might not be as good as one hopes. The cause may be worthy, but the collection of songs are either previously released or something thrown together quickly. This is not the case with HELP(2). It is full of new, exciting, brilliant songs that you may be forgiven for forgetting that the money spent on the album went to a fantastic cause. Kicking off the album is the first new material in four years, “Opening Night.” The song starts off deceptively simply but the band layers and builds the song to a brilliant and stirring ending.

Other songs of interest found in the collection, includes Depeche Mode’s cover of the Buffy Sainte-Marie song, “Universal Soldier.” Depeche Mode turned the classic folk anthem into a noisy and thoroughly enjoyable electronic epic. Fontaines D.C. take on Sinéad O’Connor’s “Black Boys On Mopeds” is stirring and emotional. Geese’s Cameron Winter turns in the moving and beautiful “Warning,” which, at times, crosses the borders into classical.

There is so much on HELP(2) to enjoy. Damon Albarn teams up with Grian Chatten and Kae Tempest (and a collection of other musicians) for the song “Flags,” and it is nothing short of stunning, while Black Country, New Road’s “Strangers” is worth the price of the album. The Last Dinner Party’s “Let’s Do it Again!” is also worth noting as an incredible track.

HELP(2) is full of great songs from artists who sincerely want to help. These are not throw-away tracks or a collection of hits, but rather, well-thought-out, and often quickly-recorded, gems that fans of the numerous bands will not only enjoy but take to heart. The songs are carefully created for this collection and, as such, the only place to find them. Do yourself a favour, go to War Child Records and explore the album. There really is something for everyone.

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