Various Activists

Aside from the brilliant Dubya beat-down, all of these pieces are understated in terms of a political message embedded in the music. But that doesn't mean that the players are socially unconscious or inactive. "I first took up the oud in the early '80s," explains Slusser, "learning from some Moroccan friends. I was playing with them not only for musical knowledge, but to use music as a means of understanding another culture. Since then our nation has been in increasing conflict with that part of the world, and I've kept approaching that music for deeper understanding. Now, all my attempts at playing the oud concern aspects of bridging the gaps and exploring the relationships between our world and theirs, and perhaps [finding] a place where there isn't a difference. ... If, at times, my oud sounds more like a Delta blues guitar, that's part of the point -- our common humanity."

The compilation's most conspicuously activist tune, "One More Parade," an old Phil Ochs number played up true to form by a combo of anonymous traditionalists who call themselves Folk This, underscores the problem with overt musical politicking. Arguably the CD's weakest title, this heartfelt banjo-plucky ditty suffers from the same shortcomings of most folk-protest anthems: While the lyrics are meaningful and smart, the music and vocal melody just don't cut it. There's a goofy quality to the singing, which even when taken as satire undermines the track's listenability beyond one or two spins.

Still, thanks to the overarching adventurousness and do-it-yourself spirit on Azadi!, this compilation is hands-down the most compelling collection of music activism to come along in years. Romus, who appears on the album with his high-octane out-jazz group the Abstractions, speaks for all the participating artists when he suggests, "Everything [we] play is an indirect socio-political statement." When the delivery is more nuanced -- and focused on the music -- the message comes across with power.

Though the efforts of Tobin and the indie musicians who contributed to the Azadi! compilation will do little to rout the warlords who rule Afghanistan, Tahmeena Faryal, a RAWA foreign affairs representative who just wrapped up a stateside speaking tour, is deeply appreciative. "It means a lot to us," she says. "Increased awareness and even a little bit of financial support can help a lot; there is no peace or security or democracy in Afghanistan. The struggle continues."