Hats off to the marketing / promotions department at Greenpeace for a brilliant idea to jump on the Alternative bandwagon, while tying its theme to "alternative energy," (or "NRG" as its compilation title reads). With Greenpeace's Mobile Solar Generator capturing and recording performances around the nation by such artists as Annie Lennox, The Soup Dragon, REM, P.M. Dawn, Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E, and others, they were able to release to Alternative NRG, the first album ever recorded and mixed by solar energy. Greenpeace accomplishes what few compilation discs can: providing listeners with new renditions of songs from a wide assortment of musicians.

The album opens with "Drive," from R.E.M.'s only 1992 concert. Unfortunately, the extended time-off has hurt more than helped Michael Stipe and company. Stipe sounds extremely flat, in what amounts to a subpar operformance from a band that usually thrives live. However, this is really the only major disappointment in an album filled with quality live performances.

U2's "Until the End of the World," sounds every bit as grand as their Zoo TV Tour, while Midnight Oil's "Tell Me the Turth" harnesses the intimacy from a show in North Hollywood last year. Three of the best cuts come from some of the less popular bands. James' acoustic rendition of "Ring The Bells" sounds so good, you would swear it was recorded in the studio. The Jesus and Mary Chain rip through a searing version of The Cramps' "New Kind of Kick," while Yothu Yindi's "Yoingu Boy," stands out with a vocal performance; part Eddie Vedder, part Kurt Cobain.

Alternative NRG's strongest facet is its line-up, featuring artists from almost every musical category. There is reggae (UB0's "Sing Our Own Song"), hip hop from P.M. Dawn ("Looking Through Patient EyesÓ), white noise courtesy of Sonic Youth ("J.C."), alternative (EMF's version of Iggy and the Stooges' "Search and Destroy"), as well as rap from Disposable Hereos of Hiphoprisy ("Everyday Life has become a Health Risk"), and metal from Soundgarden and Brian May ("New Damage").

Alternative NRG is the debut from the newly formed Greenpeace Records. If it is successful, it will likely spawn another release within the year. Just think how many copies they could sell with a few live performances from Beavis and Butthead.

Reviewer:  Don Kroeller Jr., courtesy of Flash Magazine.