And the bombs rain down in Kosovo. The current Yugoslavian crisis underscores a principle repeated with horrifying accuracy throughout history: humanity will continue to destroy itself until it learns to tolerate and, more importantly, celebrate individual differences. Many organizations have sought to promote such tolerance in the past, but one of the more formidable modern champions of this cause is ARA (Anti- Racist Action), a movement born in 1987 Minneapolis which has since grown to include chapters in over 150 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Dedicating itself to the total annihilation of intolerance in all of its ugly shapes and sizes, ARA pits its ever- growing head against "the oppression of women, people of color, gays and lesbians, and the poor." The organization has also recently initiated a Copwatch program designed to combat police brutality, and vows to dedicate more attention in the future to oppressed indigenous people both in America and abroad.

It's fitting that an ARA benefit attempt should take the form of a musical compilation. Since its inception, the organization has been intricately involved with music, the first chapters born in an attempt to combat the growing neo-nazi presence at punk and hardcore shows. Music's ability to revolutionize listeners and the world around them is unmistakable-- no other means of expression seems to have the same power to break down barriers, educate, and unify. Thankfully, the objectives of this compilation aren't contradicted by its contents. What better means of celebrating diversity than to offer a collection of musically diverse acts? From the guttural madness of Napalm Death to the sophisticated spoken word of Jello Biafra, from the unabashed punk- rock of Violent Society to the smooth hip-hop intonations of Citizen Cope, from the folksy acoustic work of Mike Park to the electronically- drenched attack of Acumen Nation, this compilation is a bundle of beautiful opposites, a testament to the exceptional wonders differences make possible.

There's something for everyone here. In addition to the styles mentioned above, the disc also includes representatives from hardcore (H20, Better Than a Thousand, Ensign, For the Living), post- hardcore (Fahrenheit 451), ska (Less Than Jake, the Toasters, Mephiskapheles), pop-punk (Gameface), and reggae (Citizen Fish). More important than the universality of the music offered, however, is the universality of its message, a message that is further enriched by the impressive informational booklet included in the package. The booklet contains mission statements from various ARA chapters, real- life incidents emphasizing the urgent need for immediate action in support of the ARA cause, highlights from previous issues of the organization's nationally- distributed newsletter, and contact information for those interested in becoming involved.

Overall, this is an impressive effort to combat the hateful forces which continue to threaten the sanctity of human life and the security of our world, but admittedly, it is only a beginning-- a halcyon future will never be ours merely because we listen to a well- intentioned CD. Nonetheless, all great movements require a soundtrack, stirring sounds to inspire and motivate the multitude, and in this respect, the creators of this compilation have forged a just and powerful weapon. Those interested in either purchasing the disc or learning more about it should visit www.positive-youth.com.

-Kevin Ruggeri