Album of the Day

After the Storm, by Various Artists (2005): This is a 2-disc charity project put together by the organizers of NEARFest to benefit Habitat for Humanity's relief efforts in the wake of Katrina. It's main selling point (aside from the fund raising aspect, of course) is that lots of the tracks are unavailable elsewhere, at least in the forms in which they appear on these discs. Highlights are echolyn's "15 Days" (written specifically for the project), Mike Keneally's cover of Genesis's "Time Table" (with bits of "Apocalypse in 9/8" thrown in for good measure), and "Buzz Beat" by New Orleans's own Woodenhead (recorded live in the Big Easy).

The album is still on sale and the money is still needed - a great way to explore some new bands and lend a helping hand.