Red Hot

I'm not usually one for compilations because they tend to lack the flow of an album, although fewer albums even have that. Those were the days, eh kids? But the collection of compilations put out by the organization Red Hot ("dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture," find out about them on their website here) are really good. They seem like a half-decent not-for-profit with a long list of charities to which they donate (see it here).

Red Hot + Rio 2
(2011)
This is the newest, fresh off the press this last week! I haven't had much of a chance to get into it but it has great potential and here's what they say about it:

Red Hot + Rio 2 is a modern tribute to the late 60’s Brazilian Tropicália movement. This album sheds new light on the songs of this influential, politically charged era, which changed the culture of Brazil forever. 

You can find out more about the album and listen to snippets of songs here.

Dark Was the Night
(2009)
This is an excellent find for a mellow-indie listener, looking for good new music or songs from current favourites. A lot of the recordings were done specifically for the mix and you won't find them elsewhere. It's also got a dancy-er CD and a mellower CD, to suit different moods.  You can listen to some of it here.

Although, the "dancy" side, should really just be said upbeat compared to this next album that you won't be able to hold yourself back from dancing!

Red Hot +Riot
(2002)
This is currently my favourite CD, it's been sitting in our CD player almost exclusively for over a month. I turn it on to pump myself up in the morning to some really great beats and then I leave it on while I get some work done in the background, as it's a pretty long album. It's very catchy! Here's what they say about it:

Red Hot + Riot is a tribute to the great songs of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. It combines contemporary musicians from across the African Diaspora – Urban America, Brazil, Cuba, Europe and West Africa – including his son, Femi Kuti, and drummer, Tony Allen, along with a cross-section of some of the most creative musicians in the world. The combinations are not just musical, but also symbolic of how people need to work together to achieve the positive life force embodied in Fela’s music and spirit.

You can check it out here.


Album artwork from Wiki.