Pitchfork

Despite the current spate of April slush sliding off the rooftops of our Pitchfork office, all scientific evidence seems to suggest that global warming is goin' down. But even the staunchest glacier-hater has to agree: former vice-hippie Al Gore and concert promoter Kevin Wall's Live Earth, the wordwide series of star-studded charity shows taking place July 7 and aimed at combating climate change, has its heart in the right place.

Though concerts are also planned in Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Japan and China, only two of the megagigs have been firmed up so far: London, and Jersey. LDN's Wembley Stadium will showcase the Beastie Boys, Bloc Party, Snow Patrol, Madonna, Damien Rice, Black Eyed Peas, Corinne Bailey Rae, David Gray, Duran Duran, Foo Fighters, Genesis, James Blunt, John Legend, Keane, Paolo Nutini, Razorlight, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, while the U.S. date features Kanye West, Smashing Pumpkins, the Police, Roger Waters, Rihanna, Ludacris, Fall Out Boy, KT Tunstall, Melissa Etheridge, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Bon Jovi, Alicia Keys, Akon, AFI, and Kelly Clarkson.

Conspicuously absent: Gore faves Kool and the Gang.