Together in recovery

Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox, a benefit compilation for the Auckland musician who suffered a debilitating stroke in June, has been released in New Zealand on Knox’s own A Major Label, proceeds of which will go toward his recovery. Knox, 57, can now say only a few words but has still provided some vocals on the album. The first track with The Nothing was made up as it was recorded, Roy Martyn, who spearheaded the album, said. “Chris just joined in and had a great time vocalising along with the band. It made him very happy.” The tracklisting for the compilation is full to the brim with indie heavyweights covering classics from Knox’s solo work and work in Tall Dwarfs, the Enemy, Toy Love and The Nothing. Artists involved include The Chills, The Verlaines, Boh Runga, Yo La Tengo, A.C. Newman, the Mountain Goats, Stephin Merritt, Jay Reatard, Lambchop, Portastatic, Will Oldham, Lou Barlow, Bill Callahan, and many others.