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War Child, the charity which benefits children affected by war, have put together a winning concept here for their latest benefit album. Legendary artists have chosen contemporary acts to cover one of their classic songs. The music here is of consistently high quality, and, at times, the new covers are revelatory. Doing good rarely sounds so great.

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High Quality Covers That the Listener Expects

With the list of contributing artists here, it is expected that the music will be of a consistent quality. A number of the covers sound almost exactly as would be expected. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs turn in a straightforward reading of the Ramones' classic "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker." The Hold Steady remind us what a powerful song Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City" was in an earlier economic downturn. Estelle takes on Stevie Wonder on "Superstition," and it's a competent version keeping the funky feel of the original.

Stunning, Idiosyncratic Covers

The best moments are the revelatory interpretations here. Duffy proves the intense uptempo breakdown of the original "Live and Let Die" is not required to keep the gorgeous tension inherent in the song. Lily Allen truly makes the Clash classic "Straight to Hell" her own with a lilt that only makes the song that much more spooky. Hot Chip almost manage to find a light side to Joy Division's "Transmission."

Top Tracks on Heroes

• Beck - "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat"

• Hot Chip - "Transmission"
• Lily Allen - "Straight To Hell"
• Duffy - "Live and Let Die"
• TV On the Radio - "Heroes"

War Child Knows Benefit Albums

The previous War Child collections of covers set a very high standard for other benefit albums to follow. However, this latest set raises the bar even higher. Go out and buy this album now. You will feel good, and some of these tracks will be on your personal playlist for months to come.

Released February 2009 by Astralwerks.