Pitchfork

You should give money to Jersey City, New Jersey radio station WFMU during this year's pledge drive, which runs through March 15. Why? Because it's a bastion of independence in an increasingly corporate world. Not convinced? Well, maybe a track-by-track covers album devoted to Paul and Linda McCartney's 1971 LP Ram featuring a bunch of indie rock heavies will sway you. 

If you pledge $75 or more during the station's music'n'comedy extravaganza "The Best Show" on March 3 or 10 from 8-11 p.m. ET, you'll get the Ram disc, named Tom, after "Best Show" host Tom Scharpling. Tom features Death Cab for Cutie, Ted Leo, Portastatic, Danielson, Aimee Mann, Dump (aka James McNew of Yo La Tengo), Spider Bags, James Pants, Black Hollies, and more. Sure beats a coffee mug. Thanks to Grant Bessel for the tip!

In a coincidental twist, there's another indie rock Ram covers project out, and while it doesn't feature many big names, it is free. (Is this album due for another deluxe reissue or what?) Ram on L.A. is currently downloadable from music blog Aquarium Drunkard. The record features Angelenos like Earlimart and the Broken West doing their best Paul, and though it's available on the internet free of charge, its makers urge listeners to contribute to McCartney-friendly charity No More Landmines.

Click on to see who's covering what:

Ram on L.A.:

01 Earlimart: "Too Many People"
02 Frankel: "3 Legs"
03 Parson Redheads: "Ram On"
04 Bodies of Water: "Dear Boy"
05 Radar Bros: "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey"
06 Naptunes: "Smile Away"
07 Los Baby Fools: "Heart of the Country"
08 Le Switch: "Monkberry Moon Delight"
09 The Broken West: "Eat at Home"
10 Amnion: "Long Haired Lady"
11 Parson Redheads: "Ram On (reprise)"
12 Travel by Sea: "Back Seat of My Car"