The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” may have lent its name to a documentary about the infamous Altamont killing, but at its heart it’s a plea for peace. A loud, aggressive, sexual, in-your-face plea. Rape and murder may be a shot away, but the song resolves on the opposite note: Love is a kiss away. The world teeters on the brink of chaos, but basic human decency has the power to redeem us all. Continue reading »
Song of the Day posts one cool cover every morning. Catch up on past installments here.
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars don’t come by their name easily. The group formed in a Guinea refugee camp, among the two million displaced by the Sierra Leone Civil War. Continuing to perform and tour upon the war’s conclusion, the gained such high profile fans as Paul McCartney and Steven Tyler. Their 2005 documentary was an indie hit, winning a long list of film festival honors.
Most recently they covered Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” for the latest Putumayo release, Tribute to a Reggae Legend. The world-music disc, which you can likely find in your local coffee shop, features 12 Bob covers from South Africa, Brazil, Ghana and more. The Choir reimagines reggae with a whole lot of African percussion. Good addition.
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