INSTANT KARMA: THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE DARFUR - VARIOUS ARTISTS
This two-CD set, whose proceeds will support Amnesty International’s work in Sudan and elsewhere, serves up 23 takes on the post-Beatles work of John Lennon. Although household names like U2, Aerosmith and Avril Lavigne make appearances on disc one, it’s disc two that really delivers. Green Day offers a passionate, profound reading of “Working Class Hero,” while Jack Johnson’s sparse, tender interpretation of “Imagine” easily outshines Lavigne’s slicker effort. The Black Eyed Peas convince with a fresh, uplifting version of “Power to the People,” and Regina Spektor dazzles with an almost classical-style rendering of “Real Love.” Disc one has its moments, especially Corinne Bailey Rae’s soulful “I’m Losing You,” but disc two’s more “alternative” vibe better suits these maverick songs. Billboard
