826 National is a non-profit organization which, according to its press release, strives to offer “a variety of inventive programs that provide under-resourced students, ages 6-18, with opportunities to explore their creativity and improve their writing skills.” And in service to this cause, more than a few well-known artists have supplied their talents to You Be My Heart: A Benefit for 826 Valencia (due out December 9th), a charity compilation featuring such artists as Mark Kozelek, Bowerbirds, Marissa Nadler, and Saturday Looks Good To Me.
All the songs on this comp were written by long-time 826 National volunteer and musician Devon Reed, and his songs serve as the canvas for each individual artist to create something new from Reed’s original creations. The proceeds from the sale of this album will go to help raise awareness and money for the program’s continued existence.
From the jangle rock influenced “Mrs. Marquis de Sade” by The Cloud Room to the stark folk musings of Mark Kozelek’s “I Know,” the songs on this album cover a wide stretch of tonal ground. Even when a song seems fairly uncomplicated like Marissa Nadler’s haunting “Half As Much,” it reveals more and more on repeated listens. And it’s this act of examination and release which gives the album a sense of purpose and determined momentum. But beyond even that, this compilation looks to help young people write and explore their own creativity, and if we happen to get a great album out of the process, then that’s just a bonus.
Beats Per Minute is pleased to premiere the album stream of charity compilation, You Be My Heart: A Benefit for 826 Valencia.
