Shanti Project Collection Vol. 2

VARIOUS ARTISTS: Shanti Project Collection 2 (Badman Recording Co.) ***
As benefit compilations go, the Shanti Project Collections are not only for a worthy cause (proceeds go to the Shanti Project of San Francisco, a service organization for people with HIV and AIDS), but they are a perfect example of how various artists working with similar creative means can create a cohesive mood. The first collection featured Red House Painters, Low, Hayden, and Idaho weaving a slow-motion spell of gloom and beauty. This sequel finds a similar tone with its female roster. Mimi Parker of Low kicks off the album with the stunningly minimalist "When You Walked Out on Me," which showcases the tensile strength of her voice. Kristin Hersh provides two acoustic renditions of Throwing Muses songs. Stripped down, "Hate My Way" sounds like a harrowing campfire song of the unspeakable. Hersh’s voice is its usual ragged-edged force. Tarnations singer Paula Frazer turns in two divine songs, duetting with Mark Eitzel on "Rhymes of Goodbye." The Spinanes’ Rebecca Gates provides the high points with her two songs, aided by Tortoise’s John McEntire. The sublime nestles in her humble and splendid music. Julie Doiran and Edith Frost each turn in meditative slow-burn folk. This Shanti Project Collection stands proudly with the first addition, delivering more difficult beauty.