That's Why We Stand - Various Artists (New Folk Records)

I guess you could make a solid argument for military personnel being more critical than ever, either in the role of domestic defence or as a barrier to prevent hostile foreign forces from getting the upper hand. With dark clouds seemingly looming on every horizon, perhaps now more than ever, we can appreciate their worth. And if that is the case, we should be more vocal in supporting what they do. That’s Why We Stand is a collection of music that does just that.

With various artists contributing to the project, there is a broad spectrum of music to be found here, but it does fall broadly into a largely rootsy realm, with country and folk music featuring heavily. But of course, this is one of those occasions when the music takes second place to the words; it is an album based on message and sentiment, though that isn’t to say that the music isn’t fantastic too.

It runs from kicking country rock, such as Rockie Lynne’s opener, “We Want To Thank You,” to Lehto Wright’s understated bluesy-folk take on “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again.” Indeed, these two songs serve to show the historical scope of the album, the former showing gratitude to the Vietnam returnees, the latter the Civil War Era marching song; that’s a century of conflict right there.

Geoff Elvee’s folk-tinged rocking “Home From Iraq” tackles the effects of war on the combatant, “We Were Marching On Christmas Day,” a harmony-soaked folk ballad from The Orphan Brigade, is particularly poignant given the time of year that sees this release and Wayne Taylor’s “The Healing Power of Music” reminds us why such an art form is so powerful as a means of messaging, escape, remembrance, and even redemption.

Fourteen songs in all, covering all aspects of war and all eras, rendered in all genres and styles. Such an album is a necessary addition to your record collections, music that makes you feel and think, a collection of music that goes way beyond mere entertainment. But there is also the fact that 100% of proceeds received by New Folk Records from sales of That’s Why We Stand will go directly to Guitars4Vets in support of the tremendous work they are doing to help those military veterans suffering with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To date, they have given out over 5000 guitars and given over 50,000 lessons.

This makes the album anything but a collection of songs; it’s a social imperative! Buy it now!