Chords for Cures is a long running charity concert series centered in Pennsylvania. Starting almost ten years ago, it has successfully helped raise money for such organizations like THON, Invisible Children and St. Jude's. After taking a hiatus in 2008, they hosted their latest show just a few days ago, raising $108 for 30 Hour Famine.

Earlier this month, they released their latest compilation Chords For Cures Vol. 4. Serving as a means to not only promote these unsigned bands, but to also raise awareness for their charity, I can vouch by saying they're highly successful. The wide diversity of tracks presented here means there is something here for everyone, and maybe you'll even find a new favorite in the process.

Due to the nature of it being a compilation, it is a little difficult to assign a traditional rating structure to the album. However, I will tell you about some of my picks.

The volume kicks off with one of my personal favorite tracks to have come from a compilation in a long while, “I'm Not Locked In Here With You, You're Locked In Here With Me” by the band Nobody Yet. With an early Drive-Thru Records kind of vibe, this is one I find myself returning to often.

Chad Neit offers up a a humorous perspective on how musicians often use the same compositions regardless of genre. “People who have used this probably called up their bandmates and said 'Check out this fuckin' song I just wrote, it's gonna make us big'. And then the listener said 'holy shit dude that was like so fucking awesome'”. Featuring small sections from songs such as “Face Down” by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, “Apologize” by OneRepublic, “Don't Trust Me” by 3OH!3, (and a handful more) this is definitely one I got a good chuckle from.

Team Goldie's “Going Out Living” is a fantastic addition to the album's Pop Punk style tracks. And the track “On/Off” from No Such Noise is one of the finest new Ska songs I have personally heard in quite awhile. I expect to hear great things coming from this band, and for them to certainly find their place in the scene. (Seriously, go check out their album “For Closure” on Bandcamp, it is that good)

Chords for Cures says their mission is “...to make a difference in the lives of those suffering/battling cancer and life threatening illness; even in the smallest scale possible. Every single dollar, every bit of passion, every soul-bearing song can change the way things are. We firmly believe in the power of people and how that can change the outcome of so many situations. We're all in this together!” (Taken from their Facebook)

And that I feel, regardless of what genres of music we like, is something that can all tie us together.

Chords For Cures Vol. 4 is available on Bandcamp now for a Name-Your-Own-Price