Album briefs

It varies: the best and worst new compilations

Erika Wilkins

Spectrum Editor

“SOS: Saving Ourselves for Haiti” by various artists

Release Date: February 11, 2010

The aftermath of devastating earthquakes is becoming more of a news fixture than lying politicians or bickering pundits. While the international community grapples with the challenges to come in Chile, the efforts to help Haiti cope still continue. Black Entertainment Television recently held “Saving Ourselves,” a star-studded evening of performances benefiting the struggling Haitian populace. In conjunction with those efforts, BET has released an album of live performances from Justin Bieber, Kirk Franklin, Keri Hilson and Haitian-native Wyclef Jean. Virginia resident Chris Brown also contributes to the album. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the SOS Saving Ourselves for Haiti Fund. So as your one charitable act of the week, month or year, spend $7.99 where it counts. You’ll make a difference in the world and you’re sure to enjoy the music as well.

Grade: A+

Download (don’t steal): “One Less Lonely Girl” by Justin Bieber

“Almost Alice (Music inspired by the Motion Picture) by various artists

Release Date: March 2, 2010

The “power-pop” music of “Almost Alice” certainly doesn’t speak to my personal taste. The likes of Owl City and Shinedown won’t be found anywhere near my iTunes account – whether they’re indirectly affiliated with Johnny Depp or not. Despite my taste however, the album effectively paints the picture of a candy-coated fantasy-island insane asylum, cultivated by none other than Tim Burton. The compilation travels full force in a distinctive direction, that pays homage to its Disney roots with 30H!3’s “Follow Me” while creeping ominously toward Burton’s image a wonderland with Franz Ferdinand’s “The Lobster Quadrille.” “Welcome to the Tea-Party.”

Grade: A-

Download (don’t steal): “Tea Party” by Kerli

“Sounds of Vancouver 2010: Closing Ceremony Commemorative Album” by various artists

Release date: March 1, 2010

Ever been cruising the highway thinking, “Man, I wish I had the sounds of the Olympics in my iPod?” If so, EMI Music Canada has got an album the answer. If that particular thought has never occurred to you, this compilation won’t do much to change that. Even the charismatic Michael Bublé and crowd-rousing Nickelback, can’t stir this mix of elevator music. Avril Lavigne, who incidentally makes an appearance on another various artists soundtrack (“Almost Alice”) doesn’t offer any saving grace here either. The Olympic effort that surely went toward this project would have been better spent restraining anti-Olympic protesters.

Grade: D

Download (don’t steal): “Burn It to the Ground” by Nickelback

“Spring Break Mixtape 2010” by various artists

Release date: March 2, 2010

While you and your besties travel to your chosen spring break destination discussing game plans for what to hit while you’re there – nightclubs and people included – you’ll have the popular hits of “Spring Break Mixtape 2010” to put you into party mode. Like Britney Spears and vintage Mariah Carey – there’s nothing wrong with wanting some mindless good fun. So, “go lower than the grades on yo’ report card” and “don’t stop, get it, get it.”

Grade: A-

Download (don’t steal): “How Low (remix)” by Ludacris ft. Ciara and Pitbull