Pitchfork

At times, it's no cinch to justify one's love for EstherMadonna; every "Hung Up" comes paired with a Swept Away, reminding us that even greatness can benefit from a forthright editor from time to time.

But a whole bunch of wonky indie artists are making it okay to love Madge again, thanks to Through the Wilderness, a loving freak-folk-heavy tribute to Madonna from the freaky folk at Manimal Vinyl. Way back in February, we told you just a bit about the CD/LP, but we're just rolling in the details now: there's a full tracklist, a few new artists on the roster (Ariel Pink chief among 'em), a September 4 release date, and a worthy cause Wilderness will support: a quarter of the profits will be funneled to Raising Malawi, the Madonna-helmed organization designed to support the million HIV/AIDS orphans in Malawi.

The CD version of Through the Wilderness comes complete with a megamix from Doctor Awesome, whose other awesome job involves pounding on shit; pull back the curtain, and Doctor Awesome is none other than Gabe Serbian of the Locust. We're also told of a pair of release parties in Los Angeles and New York featuring many of the compilation's artists, plus "a special guest." No details yet, but could it be the former Mrs. Penn herself?

Through the Wilderness:

01 Giant Drag - "Oh Father"
02 Bat for Lashes with Moon and Moon - "Justify My Love"
03 Lavender Diamond - "Like a Prayer"
04 The Tyde - "Hung Up"
05 Ariel Pink - "Like a Virgin"
06 VietNam - "Human Nature"
07 Mountain Party with Devendra Banhart - "Material Girl"
08 The Bubonic Plague - "Who's That Girl"
09 Siddhartha - "Holiday"
10 The Chapin Sisters - "Borderline"
11 Winter Flowers - "Live to Tell"
12 The Pangaeans - "Impressive Instant"
13 Alexandra Hope - "Lucky Star"
14 Jonathan Wilson - "La Isla Bonita"
15 Lion of Panjshir - "Crazy for You"
16 The Prayers - "Cherish"
17 Women and Children - "Burning Up"
18 Golden Animals - "Beautiful Stranger"