Organized and aired within days of the September 11 attacks, the fundraising telethon documented here was as remarkable for its subdued sincerity as for its unity of purpose. This double-disc anthology presents the diverse musical content of the broadcast in the order it was aired, with Bruce Springsteen's "My City of Ruins" setting the appropriately somber and introspective tone. And while artists such as Stevie Wonder (with assistance from Take 6 on "Love's in Need of Love") and U2 rise to the occasion with the spiritually uplifting grace expected of them, there are a few surprises here as well. Limp Bizkit and Goo Goo Doll John Rzeznick turn in a spare, if seemingly unlikely, cover of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," appended with a new verse that asks what may be the 21st century's most compelling question: "Do you think we can change?" Even the viewpoint of John Lennon's anthem "Imagine" (as rendered by Neil Young) is occasionally altered to the first person, tellingly turning the song's idealism into a personal challenge. It's a rare event that can credibly sandwich Wyclef Jean's "Redemption Song," Mariah Carey's "Hero," and a chillingly somber take of "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi, before offering up the subtly ironic benediction of Willie Nelson's "America the Beautiful." In the midst of its most trying time in a half century (arguably musically, as well as socially), America the sleeping giant awoke--and first listened to its heart. All net proceeds benefit the United Way's September 11th Telethon Fund. --Jerry McCulley


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