Various

There's something unsettling about the fact that these vintage, war-themed Americana recordings were made during the brief period of peace between the First and Second World Wars, when the anguish many of the songs describe would soon grip the nation more powerfully than ever. But that has always been the case with songs inspired by warfare, making this collection's appearance now unquestionably timely. Compiled in part by Chris King, whose restoration work on the Charlie Patton box set, Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues, was nothing short of a revelation, Bloody War's 15 tracks showcase many of the "stars" of old time music that fans of the genre have come to know via such releases as Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music. Still, most of these selections will be new to all but the most die-hard collectors, making them essential for those who may have only recently discovered the mysterious charms of Frank Hutchison, Buell Kazee or Darby and Tarlton. A portion of sales will also be donated to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, if there was any other incentive needed.