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The 24-hour Live Earth marathon let us circle the globe musically, hearing
styles from scores of genres performed by artists on every continent. Here's our
Top 10 -- the songs that captured the spirit of the event and the passion behind
the cause.
The Police/John Mayer/Kanye West: "Message in
a Bottle"
The summer's most anticipated reunion upped the ante
in this fervent call to action, with John Mayer sharing guitar duty and Kanye
punctuating the lyrics' urgency.
Keith Urban/Alicia Keys: "Gimme
Shelter"
Country superstar + R&B diva = gripping rock
performance of the Stones' howling anthem. Another powerful convergence of lyric
with mission.
Shakira: "Hips Don't Lie"
The
mesmerizing Colombian singer-songwriter heated up Hamburg with her sinuous,
ecstatic rhythm workout.
Beastie Boys: "Sabotage"
A
highlight of the London show, which also brought a de facto reunion with
Madonna, who teamed with them on tour in the '80s.
Angélique Kidjo: "Afrika"
Her
collaboration with Joss Stone on "Gimme Shelter" was a stirring contrast to the
New York version, but this Johannesburg solo turn best conveyed her gifts.
Corinne Bailey Rae/John Legend: "Mercy Mercy
Me (Ecology)"
The silky British singer and her stateside touring
partner brought old school empathy to the Marvin Gaye classic -- another
sobering lyric still relevant 36 years later.
John Butler Trio: "Funky
Tonight"
Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist Butler
brings jam band breadth and rootsy intimacy to the Live Earth mix, a highlight
for fans, a revelation for newcomers.
Nunatak: "How Many
People?"
Was there a more striking image than this quintet
playing against a sub-zero Antarctic backdrop? Plus, who can resist partying
penguins?
Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Dani
California"
Funk punk pioneers turned platinum rock stars, the
quartet serves a reliably powerful Live Earth highlight.
SOS All-Stars:
"Drummers"
Announcing superstar drummers Roger Taylor (Queen),
Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters "on drums"
was funny. The collective storm with All-Stars drumming circle was simply
spectacular.
Like our picks? Vote for YOUR favorite in the poll (look to the
right!).
Think they're lame? Let us know on the message
boards.
Related:
Check out our top 10 performances photo
gallery
Check out our top 10 performers photo
gallery
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