BURBANK, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Sire Records) - "Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran," a double-CD compilation of songs curated by Iraq war veteran Tomas Young, will be released by Sire Records on March 18, 2008 - two days before the fifth anniversary of the United States' invasion of Iraq. Young, now 26, was shot and paralyzed from the chest down after serving in Iraq for less than a week. His heart-wrenching and inspiring story is told in the critically acclaimed feature documentary "Body of War," produced and directed by Phil Donahue and
Ellen Spiro.
Young enlisted in the Army just two days after 9/11 intending to fight those responsible for the terrorist attacks on the U.S. He has transformed his personal suffering into political activism. His powerful story and authentic voice serve to question the war in Iraq that cost him his mobility, and convey the moving journey of a young veteran's survival and adaptation to his new life as a paraplegic.
Young personally selected each of the tracks that appear on "Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran," including Eddie Vedder's previously unreleased, live version of "No More," which was written specifically for the "Body of War" documentary and performed with Ben Harper at Lollapalooza 2007 in Chicago's Grant Park. The double-CD set also features incisive songs from John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Bright Eyes, Neil Young, Lupe Fiasco, Serj Tankian, and many others (see below for full track-listing).
This music, Young says, serves as his personal 'soundtrack for Iraq.' "The compilation record was an idea that grew out of my love of music and my reliance on it before, during, and after the war," he says. "The songs I selected for the record were tracks that inspired, motivated, and at times, literally saved me over the past few years."
"Tomas has taught me a great deal, and our friendship has become one of depth and sincerity," Vedder adds. "It has been a mind-expanding experience. I see how he relies on the strength of the songs to help him through each day. It is a true living example of the power of music."
The "Body Of War" music site (www.bodyofwarmusic.com) goes live today and enables visitors to pre-order the "Body Of War" double CD set, view the video for "No More" by Ellen Spiro and special bonus footage with Tomas Young and Eddie Vedder, as well as link to sites and a forum where users can take action based on their feelings about the Iraq war.
All proceeds from "Body of War: Songs That Inspired an Iraq War Veteran," which features original cover art designed and donated by acclaimed political artist Shepard Fairey, go to benefit the non-profit organization Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW), as chosen by Young. Founded in 2004 by Iraq war veterans, IVAW's goal is to give voice to the large number of active-duty service people and veterans who are against the war, but are under various pressures to remain silent. In September, Sire Records donated $100,000 to IVAW in the name of Young, who is a spokesperson for the organization.
"Body of War" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11th, 2007, to unanimous critical praise. Richard Corliss of Time magazine called it "a superb documentary ... almost unbearably moving." Named "Best Documentary of 2007" by the National Board of Review, the film also took home the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Hamptons' International Film Festival, and was runner-up for the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. It will begin a nationwide theatrical release in March.
Track-listing for "Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran":
CD 1
"Hero's Song" - Brendan James
"American Terrorist" - Lupe Fiasco
"Light Up Ya Lighter" - Michael Franti & Spearhead
"Guerilla Radio" - Rage Against The Machine
"Son Of A Bush" - Public Enemy
"Empty Walls" - Serj Tankian
"Let Them Eat War" - Bad Religion
"White People For Peace" - Against Me!
"Letter From Iraq" - Bouncing Souls
"War" - Dilated Peoples
"Overcome (The Recapitulation)" - RX Bandits
"Fields Of Agony" - No Use For A Name
"Bushonomics" - Talib Kweli & Cornel West
"The 4th Branch" - Immortal Technique
"B.Y.O.B." - System Of A Down
"No More" (Live) - Eddie Vedder & Ben Harper
CD 2
"Devils & Dust" - Bruce Springsteen
"Masters Of War" (Live) - Pearl Jam
"When The President Talks To God" - Bright Eyes
"Gimme Some Truth" - John Lennon
"The Restless Consumer" - Neil Young
"Battle Hymns" - The Nightwatchman
"Anthrax" - Kimya Dawson
"WMD" - Blow Up Hollywood
"State Of The Union" - David Ford
"Yo George" - Tori Amos
"Love Vigilantes" - Laura Cantrell
"Black Rain" - Ben Harper
"To Kill The Child" - Roger Waters
"Day After Tomorrow" - Tom Waits
