Kevin Bronson on November 4th, 2020

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Roundup up three recent releases that benefit various charitable causes …

MICHAEL PENN, “A Revival”

“During the pandemic I’ve been writing songs again,” says Michael Penn, whose last release was the album “Mr. Hollywood Jr.” in 2005. For those who’ve missed his sophisticated, poignant songwriting these past 15 years, “A Revival” is a gem. Proceeds benefit the Poor People’s Campaign.

CUFFED UP, “Politicians in My Eyes”

L.A. quartet Cuffed Up — Sapphire Jewell, Ralph Torrefranca, Joe Liptock and Vic Ordonez — released their debut EP in February. (A physical release is coming early next year.) Here, they take on Detroit punk forerunners DEATH’s 1975 classic. “At the time ‘Politicians in My Eyes’ was a challenge to the government in place who were sending young black and racially diverse kids into a war they never wanted,” the band says. “We covered the song because it runs parallel with our disgust and mistrust of everything the current government administration has done and stands for.” Bandcamp proceeds go to the Detroit Justice Center.

ZANDER SCHLOSS, “Straight to Hell”

Zander Schloss, of course, played with Joe Strummer (and the Circle Jerks, Weirdos and Thelonious Monster, among many other projects), so the Clash’s “Straight to Hell” is in good hands. Produced by Brad Wood, it was the first release on the new charity-driven label he launched with Tom Carolan, Piece of Pie Records. (More on another release from the label soon.) The release comes with its own merch, and proceeds benefit the Joe Strummer Foundation.