Last June, Chris Knox, the New Zealander postpunk pioneer from bands the Enemy, Toy Love and Tall Dwarfs, suffered a debilitating stroke. It’s a sad story that has inspired a wonderful musical compilation, Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox, that has artists from all over the globe covering his songs, with all the proceeds going toward Knox’s recovery.
If you aren’t already a fan of Knox’s songs, chances are these 36 tracks, recorded by the likes of Stephin Meritt, Yo La Tengo, Will Oldham and the Bats, will convert you. There’s an infectious rendition of “Pull Down the Shades” by Jay Reatard; the Chills doing “Luck or Loveliness”; and (our favorite) Neutral Milk Hotel’s Jeff Mangum crooning “Sign the Dotted Line.” The double CD isn’t available till February, but if you preorder it now, you’ll receive a free digital download of the album via email (or you can buy the MP3s for $12). Good music for a good cause. Win-win!
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