IS it me, or do you sometimes feel suckered by charity albums? Don't get me wrong - the intentions are great. Socially conscious music in CD packages, however, is typically packed with album filler, half-baked b-side ideas or tepid live versions from your favorite bands that are peddled as "new songs."

If you're looking for something sweet and original, might I suggest dropping in on The Cake Sale? The album, recorded in Dublin last year and spearheaded by Bell X1's Brian Crosby, is a collection of alternative acoustic gems performed by a who's who of Ireland's music scene.

Members of Snow Patrol, Bell X1, Crowded House and the Thrills joined head Frame Glen Hansard, Gemma Hayes, and Josh Ritter to create music that no Irish music fan should be without. This is easily one of the best things I heard all year!

Damien Rice's former creative partner teams with Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody for a dreamy duet on "Some Surprise." "Your lips come as some surprise/that they would want to come and meet mine/they never taste like the last time," sings Lightbody. With its haunting slide guitar in the background, this song could be a country crossover hit if it hits the right ears.

"I'm not too good at describing the music but it's pretty melodic and has alternative arrangements," says Crosby. "All the songs were interpreted by different singers, so it's a bit of a melting pot."

Conor Deasy from the Thrills offers a drowsy, sensual read on a psychedelic track called "Good Intentions Rust," which mixes Phil Spector Wall of Sound production values with chemically induced sparkle.

Hansard has been showing a new side of his amazing artistry with solo projects like the film Once, and he continues that trend on "Too Many People," a highlight on The Cake Sale. "My hand it aches/my belly aches I shouldn't be here/but what can I do/because I spent last night in your room," he coos over hand claps and a mellow bass line.

"There has been a run of less than commendable efforts in the charity music department," says Crosby. "This album came on the table as a topic of discussion over the years. When a similar album titled The Reindeers came about in Scotland, it gave us the spark to do something. "

What a spark! Some of these artists are doing some of their best work on this disc, including Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon.

"We sail the dark oceans on our ship of souls/but the tiller is spinning out of control/I've been speaking with aliens, they've agreed to abduct everyone but you," he sings on the spacey "Aliens," a song that sounds like David Bowie became the new singer of Pink Floyd.

Though the album was recorded in many different countries with dozens of songwriters and singers contributing to the mix, having one band play behind the arrangement really brings a great cohesiveness when listened as a whole.

The CD benefits Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign, which calls on decision makers and world leaders to change unfair rules and practices on global trade (log onto oxfamirelandshop.com for more information).

"I was working with Oxfam when they campaigned at BellX1," explains Crosby. "They get out and campaign with bands while they are touring. I like the way they work and the way in which they invest their money into developing countries."

For Bell X1 fans, Crosby had a bit of good news. "We're about to release a new CD, Flock, in February," he reveals. "It sounds like a band playing in the room. I think you'll hear some Flaming Lips and Talking Heads influences with guitar driving the whole thing along."

For more information, log onto thecakesale.com.