Chimes of Freedom - The Songs of Bob Dylan Fontana International/Universal***

This four-disc, 80-artist, 75- newly recorded song compilation is grist to the mill for Bob Dylan fans. The aligning of Amnesty International's human rights activism with Dylan's often incomparable songwriting is a good fit – but how to corral the spirit of the songs into a cohesive entity? You don't and can't. The range of material here means that for any one track you don't think counts for much (Joe Perry's Man of Peace), there's another that is almost better than the real thing (Zee Avi's Tomorrow Is a Long Time). So – much to admire (Silversun Pickups), more to steer clear of (Flogging Molly). One thought: where are the likes of U2, Leonard Cohen, R.E.M., Van Morrison, et al? amnestyusa.org/chimes

Download tracks:Patti Smith, Drifter's Escape; Silversun Pickups, Not Dark Yet;Lucinda Williams, Tryin' to Get to Heaven