Album Review
Despite the best of intentions, charity records are rarely credited for their ability to amaze the nation with an outstanding display of musical excellence. Although their objective is well-meaning and near impossible to criticise, most of these releases are forgotten as soon as they have left the Top 10. Their ability to raise enormous amounts of money in a short space of time is undeniable, thanks to the huge publicity campaigns that support them, but many charity records are destined for a lifetime spent in the loft or as a drink coaster. You only have to think back a few years to recall such offences as the horrific rendition of Run-DMC's 'Walk This Way' by Girls Aloud and Sugababes for Comic Relief. Even more recently was the appalling redoing of REM's 'Everybody Hurts' for the Haiti earthquake appeal – a record that was organised by everyone's favourite "contributor" to music, Simon Cowell.
Thankfully, however, there have been a few exceptional charity albums that have managed to gain support for their chosen causes, not from hype and publicity stunts, but from genuine artistic merit. Previously, such examples have included the brilliant War Child albums and, now, 'Breaking Rocks' – a new compilation that was recently released to raise money for folk singer Billy Bragg's Jail Guitar Doors project.
Jail Guitar Doors is a charity that was setup in 2007 by Bragg, who is well known for his political activism and his openness regarding social issues, in order to raise money for instruments in prisons. The idea behind this initiative is to provide convicted criminals with the opportunity of rehabilitation by allowing them to focus on their own creativity. The project has already received support from Strummerville, the Joe Strummer Foundation for New Music, as well as several big names including Mick Jones of the Clash and Get Cape Wear Cape Fly. Now, Bragg has pulled together a host of exciting new acts to create a charity record in support of his latest project.
So, the cause is unquestionable, but what about the music? Potential listeners will be pleased to hear that this is an impressively eclectic mix of talent that features a diverse combination of great new artists. On offer on this 31-track release is a veritable feast of styles, including folk, punk, hard rock, acoustic and electronic music. Several of the present acts, who have received some good press in recent months, include Kids Love Lies, the Arcadian Kicks, Pete and the Pirates, and the Victorian English Gentleman's Club. There's even a track by Billy Bragg himself, which was recorded live during his recent short tour of prisons for Jail Guitar Doors.
While it's important for musicians to raise money for charity in any way possible, it's even better if they can do it by attracting some actual musical interest. 'Breaking Rocks' may not have saved the reputation of charity records completely, but it has certainly helped to prove that they can at least be credible. In this case, it's a fantastic effort. Well worth the £8 and, plus, it's all for a good cause.