Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond

I can name a few select soundtracks that have impressed me as much as The Hunger Games has. With the exception of two songs (kid Cudi? really? was this an attempt at pandering to a tween audience?), the Hunger Games soundtrack might as well have been pulled from the most played artist list on my itunes.  It is a beautiful collection of artists like Arcade Fire, The Decembrists, The Punch Brothers, The Secret Sisters, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, and The Civil Wars who each capture so well the mood of The Hunger Games. Many songs have an Appalachian feel reflective of the coal mining district heroin, Katniss Everdeen, hails from. All have dark, melancholic undertones. Some songs make direct references to the story, while others are simply thematic. It is a beautiful, rich soundtrack and I'm impressed that the creators sought out such talented artists instead of falling back on top-40 artists for a film that was sure to be a blockbuster hit. 

Taylor Swift: Safe and Sound

I posted this video to Accidental Music's Tumblr (it's cool, check it out!) but it is far too amazing not to get an official post of its own. Seriously, I am so entirely in love with this song that features T-Swift teamed up with Grammy winning Civil Wars, which has to be one of my favorite collaborations to date. Swifts voice it at its best with this haunting melody and The Civil Wars add perfect instrumentals and accompanying harmonies. The song is part of upcoming the Hunger Games soundtrack, which promises to be outrageously amazing with its inclusion of artists like Arcade Fire, The Decembrists, The Carolina Chocolate Drops and so many other great artists.

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Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 years of Amnesty International

I am often referencing the role Bob Dylan played in my childhood. He was a poet who's lyrics spoke to a generation desperate for a voice. He certainly spoke to my father who will still sit with his guitar, strumming and nasaling up his voice. "Once upon a time you dress so fine..."My fathers was not the only generation Dylan spoke to. His songs are timeless. He is one of the most covered artists of all time.

This month, Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International was released. It is a 4-cd compilation of Bob Dylan covers and all procedes go to Amnesty International. Artists range from favorites of mine like Carolina Chocolate Drops, Johnny Cash, Maroon 5 and Adele. It includes older live recordings like my all time favorite Dave Matthews Band version of All Along The Watchtower. The line-up is diverse as a wide range of artists take Dylan in great musical directions. Of course there are exceptions like the inclusion of Miley Cyrus (who doesn't sound the worst she's ever sounded), which I could have done without, but it is a solid album of timeless music.