INSTANT KARMA for the INNOCENTS …
by 
Chuck Hinson on July 7th, 2007
Normally, The Relic digs sharin’ the good vibrations of the classic/oldies scene … but, this once, he’s gotta hitcha with somethin’ that’s deadly serious!
Y’see, there are thousands of decent souls bein’ tortured, murdered and starved every day in the senseless fighting (is there any sensible war?) goin’ on between the Janjaweed and SLM in the Sudanese province of Darfur.
According to the UN, over 450,000 have died of both murder and starvation so far — especially little children (I dare you to click that link. You’ll wanna cry, I swear it …).
Now, while white-collar governments apparently aren’t doing anything to help these people, some of the world’s greatest rock, alt-rock, even country stars have banded together to record Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur. Funds raised from the sale of this CD set goes to alleviating the unbearable pain felt by these innocent victims of hatred.
It’s something that the spirit of our rock icon and peace activist, John Lennon, would want — and — believe the Relic — has his hand in, even from the beyond.
The two-CD set has 23 of music’s prime artists doing covers of Lennon classics (the songs, btw, were donated by Yoko). Here’s the list (with a few Relicmarks in italic):
Aerosmith ft The Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars “Give Peace a Chance”
Avril Lavigne “Imagine” — somehow, this shoulda been U2’s. Hers is good, but lacks the depth.
Ben Harper “Beautiful Boy”
Big & Rich “Nobody Told Me”
The Black Eyed Peas “Power To the People” — I wonder if TBEP really understood what it’s about?Christina Aguilera “Mother” — Intensely personal. Dunno …
Corinne Bailey Rae “I’m Losing You” — Fantastic!
The Flaming Lips “(Just Like) Starting Over”
Green Day “Working Class Hero” — Now, they know what it’s about, and do a dynamite cover!
Jack Johnson “Imagine”
Jack’s Mannequin featuring Mick Fleetwood “God”
Jackson Browne “Oh, My Love”
Jaguares “Gimme Some Truth”
Jakob Dylan ft Dhani Harrison “Gimme Some Truth” — George and Bob’s sons do a primo rendition
Lenny Kravitz “Cold Turkey”
Los Lonely Boys “Whatever Gets You Through the Night”
Matisyahu “Watching the Wheels”
The Postal Service “Grow old With Me”
Regina Spektor “Real Love” — beautiful and haunting. Like the song’s made for her!
R.E.M. “#9 Dream” — Didn’t know if Stipe could do it … but, by God, he did! Very cool cover!
Snow Patrol “Isolation”
U2 “Instant Karma” — Perfection. Who else could do this but Bono and band?
Youssou N’Dour “Jealous Guy”
I know … we’re all gonna have your faves on the set (along with the bonus trax included in the iTunes version) — you in the UK (England, not the University of Kentucky … though I welcome all the rockcats from Big Blue) have trax we don’t have on the US version — but, listen … remember the reason for the set to begin with, okay?? It’s a tribute to one man, whose legacy mirrors his life’s goal: to bring peace, love and harmony among the people of the world.
That’s why this CD is out … through a tribute to John, we’re furthering his goal … saving lives … and, through our music, stretching our collective arms out in understanding, empathy, and helping hands to those in need in this war-ravaged province.
Now, listen … it’s your turn to get involved. Here’s what I wantcha to do: First, BUY THE CD!! Don’t just borrow it, or rip it off the web: How ya gonna help a starving child, a mother in fear for her life, or others in Darfur, by freeloading??
Then, click http://www.genocideintervention.net and make your voice heard!!
WE HAD A VOICE BEFORE, and BROUGHT A STOP TO THE MADNESS CALLED VIETNAM;
WE HAD A VOICE BEFORE, and BROUGHT A HALT TO RACIAL INJUSTICE;
WE HAD A VOICE BEFORE, and BROUGHT VOTING RIGHTS FOR THOSE 18-20.
WE’RE NOT HOARSE NOW, ARE WE?? THEN LET’S SHOW THE WORLD THE POWER … OF THE PEOPLE … ONCE AGAIN!!
Well, that’s it for this special edition of the show. Until next time, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side ….
| 2.5 |
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2 opinions for INSTANT KARMA for the INNOCENTS …
Jul 7, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Relic, it’s nice that you’ve alloted so much space for this worth dealing album and the issue as such. By largely focusing on the Darfur issue, yet fulcruming around the album, you’ve maintained a balance. The post shows the human side of THE RELIC. And most of all, this post is full of the proprietary sarcasm and comic of the RELIC as seen in other posts.
Jul 7, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Thanx for the props, Shankar! It’s not often you’ll see the Relic this serious (the other time is four hours after eatin’ at Taco Bell). The big ? is, How can we, as a people united, EVER turn our backs on those who really need us?
Dude, the Spirit of Rock is to spread the love, the happiness, the freedom.
If ever there was a CAUSE, man, THIS IS IT!! We came through before W did with Katrina, VTech, and others … NOW it’s time to stretch those lovin’ arms of ours across the ocean and HELP!
In THIS case, we gotta ask ourselves what LENNON would want us to do. Add to that, our CONSCIENCE. THEN DO IT!!
THAT’S the answer, my friend. Now (ya ready?): Imagine THOUSANDS OF OTHERS doing the SAME THING!!
The Darfur tragedy would be history … and smiles would replace the tears, full bellies replacing the hunger.
RELIC
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