Album: Various Artists – Ten

Various Artists
Ten
Manchester Aid to Kosovo
4 stars

Ten is the new album from the Manchester Aid to Kosovo organisation, with all proceeds going to community projects and the construction of the Manchester Peace Park in Kosovo. Marking the tenth anniversary of their first compilation, Cohesion, this second release is an assortment of gems from Manchester’s alternative and indie music scene; compiled by The Travelling Band’s Jo Dudderidge.

After anticipating that featured bands such as Doves, Cherry Ghost and Elbow would carry the other, less well-known artists, I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. Jo Rose, Liz Green and The Beep Seals especially held their own next to the bigger names. With a range of sounds from the folksy Liz Green to the electro-tones of Magic Arm, this compilation is not only in aid of a good cause, it also celebrates the wealth of talent we have here in Manchester. Doves, Cherry Ghost and The Travelling Band all make great contributions and Elbow’s live version of ‘Some Riot’ stands out as a personal favourite; with the accompanying orchestra creating a breathtaking sound on this track from their album The Seldom Seen Kid.

If this is your kind of music, this is a great album to discover new artists and celebrate some old Mancunian favourites. I would encourage new artists to be inspired by the collaboration and thought behind this album as it’s testament to the great things that music can do to raise awareness for important causes.

For more information on the charity’s projects, to see how you can help with MAK’s work or to pre-order your copy of the CD go to www.makonline.org. The album launch night is at Manchester’s Deaf Institute on Monday the 4^th of April; tickets are on sale from thedeafinstitute.co.uk

Katie Hodgson