Various Artists – ESP Institute XV

Lovefingers’ legendary ESP Institute celebrates 15 years with a 90-track compilation dedicated to LA wildfire relief efforts. A native Angeleno, Lovefingers was directly impacted by the Palisades fires, which permanently damaged his home and the label’s headquarters (“the grounds incinerated and fire/smoke damage right up and onto its walls”). Proceeds from the compilation will be distributed bi-weekly to nonprofits including CalFund, MusiCares, GiveDirectly, Global Empowerment Mission, and Canine Rescue Club. The compilation encapsulates the magnitude of ESP’s release schedule—over 125 releases—with gems dating back to 2010 (Cos/Mes – Chaosexotica). One highlight is Chee Shimizu’s Tanzania chant world groover “Zeze,” a previously unreleased track from the Obscure Sound writer and Organic Music founder that has been in the works for over 15 years (supposedly originally meant to be ESP002). Let’s keep the benefit efforts going… Buy this release!