The National Cover INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart” for Songs for Australia

In support of the Australia-centric benefit cover album Songs for Australia, The National has shared a cover of one of Australia’s most famous ballads, INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart.” The album also features Julia Stone, who recently shared her cover of Midnight Oil’s “Beds Are Burning,” Kurt Vile (Nick Cave’s “Stranger Than Kindness”), Damien Rice (Sia’s “Chandelier”), Joan as Police Woman (Gotye’s “Hearts A Mess”) and more. The artwork for the “Never Tear Us Apart” cover is courtesy of American photographer Chris Searl.

The idea of Songs for Australia arose from Stone herself, who remarks she felt the need to reach out to other artists and compile the album. She says the response was “immediate and immense.” Every dollar accrued will go directly to Australian organizations dealing with the bushfire crisis. Among the charities Songs for Australia’s sales will benefit are Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, The Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation, SEED, Wild Ark, Landcare Australia and NSW Rural Fire Service. You can donate to any of these charities directly through their respective websites.

Songs for Australia will be released in its entirety on March 12 through BMG. You can preorder the album on their website, which also features tote bags and T-shirts for sale. You can listen to The National’s rendition of “Never Tear Us Apart” and Stone’s cover of “Beds Are Burning” below, and The National’s 2007 Daytrotter session further down.