Portland's Arena Rock Records took some of Portland's finest musicians - The Decemberists, Dandy Warhols, Chris Walla and more and paired each of their talents up with a classic cover song. The end result was the excellent 19 song collection called Bridging The Distance.

Not only is it a fantastic collection of songs, all of the proceeds benefit a Portland organization called p:ear.
p:ear programs build positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth, through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives. Each year p:ear serves more than 350 homeless and transitional young people in the Portland, Oregon area.

There's nothing but highlights on this one, but some of my favorites are Pat McDonald's(Timbuk 3) rocking take on The Harder They Come, The Thermal's smoldering version of Zeppelin's Tangerine and Britt Daniel's(Spoon) percussion workout on Bring It On Home to Me.

Buy it. Not only will you get some great music you'll be investing in a brighter future for someone at the same time.

Bridging The Distance - A Portland OR covers compilation
The Decemberists - Think about Me (Fleetwood Mac)
Pat MacDonald - The Harder They Come (Jimmy Cliff)
The Joggers - Long Distance Runaround (Yes)
The Snuggle Ups - Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen)
The Thermals - Tangerine (Led Zeppelin) MP3
Christopher Walla - Shattered Dreams (Johnny Hates Jazz)
Viva Voce - Eye in the Sky (The Alan Parsons Project)
The Minus 5 - That Smell (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Talkdemonic - Sombre Reptiles (Brian Eno)
The Minders - Don't Bring Me Down (Electric Light Orchestra)
The Kingdom - Sister Christian (Night Ranger)
Lackthereof - What a Fool Believes (The Doobie Brothers)
Whip - White Wedding (Billy Idol)
Wet Confetti - Invincible (Pat Benatar)
The Dandy Warhols - She Sells Sanctuary (The Cult)
Point Juncture, WA - Pearl of the Quarter (Steely Dan)
Blitzen Trapper - Crazy on You (Heart)
Crosstide - (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding? (Nick Lowe)
Britt Daniel - Bring It on Home to Me (Sam Cooke) MP3

[BUY IT] [Arena Rock Records] [p:ear]