The National joins the star-studded Songs for Australia charity album with their stirring cover of “Never Tear Us Apart” by Australian rock band INXS, which was officially released Thursday (Feb. 27). Songs for Australia will arrive on digital and physical formats March 12 via BMG.
Australian singer-songwriter Julia Stone — of the duo Angus & Julia Stone — brought together the American rock band, Irish folk singer-songwriter Damien Rice , French DJ Petit Biscuit and more international acts for the benefit project, with proceeds going toward various Australian charities working to rebuild the country in the wake of the brushfire crisis. The benefited organizations include Firesticks Alliance, Landcare Australia, SEED, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, Wild Ark and NSW Rural Fire Service.
The featured artists covered 13 total classics by Australian artists, from Nick Cave‘s “Stranger Than Kindness” (Kurt Vile) to Sia‘s top 10 Hot 100 hit “Chandelier” (Rice) and Gotye‘s “Hearts a Mess” (Joan as Police Woman) to Midnight Oil‘s “Beds are Burning” (Stone).
The National’s rendition substitutes the funky synths in the original tune with whimsical guitar sounds that float like the two people shot midair on the cover art, which was donated by Australian photographer Chris Searl. Fans can catch their favorite American indie rockers touring in Australia this March and April in support of their 2019 studio album I Am Easy to Find while playing alongside Phoebe Bridgers in the nation’s more intimate venues.
Listen to The National’s INXS cover below.
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