How do you get such a brilliant crowd of legendary artists and hot, young things together on one piece of plastic? Only with the sterling inspiration of Bruce Parry, BBC presenter, expeditionary hero to millions and thoroughly good bloke. There's also the fact that this is a fundraising album for Survival International, who help defend many of the tribes that Bruce has met on his way.
The album's a mixed bag in terms of genres but there are some common themes. The first CD's mostly folk, rocky and sits together nicely, whereas the second CD, a bit more eclectic, but united by these tribal samples that are actually very groovy.
I actually like most of the tracks on some level, but I absolutely love some of them. For a start, there are some legendary vocalists on here. Yusuf Islam, Cat Stevens, haunts me with his existential mourning on Edge of Existence. This really is a song about tribe's dying out. Pretty stark but very beautiful.
Johnny Borrell is awesome. Another completely stirring number in Carrikfergus. It really is huge, epic, folk rock.
Apparatjik with Guy Berryman and company is so 80's, in a great Eurythmics come Coldplay way and I love it, over and over again
And there are so many other artists at the top of their games: Mystery Jets, Dawn Kinnard, Ruby Suns, Hot Chip, Will.i.am, Jason Mraz.
This album's got the big boys and the prolific new scene-makers all over it. There aren't many fillers here.
I recommend it. Some real classics here, from some serioous artists.