Now that "alternative" has become the most ambiguous word in the English language, the folks at Greenpeace have thrown the world a curveball.

Sure, alternative could be in reference to the music (everything from U2 to L7 is represented), but Alternative NRG, the first-ever release from Greenpeace Records, isn't about the music. It's about Alternative NRG.

Energy, that is.

The entire album was "recorded and mixed with solar power," as a sticker on the all-cardboard case proudly proclaims. And as the case folds out to more than two feet in length (a little long, but it's probably recycled material), it also gives loads of information about solar power and the reasons behind the making of the album.

"The inspiration for this album came out of the Gulf War, watching the planet burn as people died for the right to live in smog . . . every addiction has its denial . . . cut to photo montage of oil well stuck in junkie's arm . . . the sky over Los Angeles is our testimony," the liner notes say.

Even if you don't agree, it makes you think.

This compact disc comes across like a 16-song, 16-band Greenpeace-benefit concert. All the tracks are live, and most of them are powerful.

It all begins as the members of R.E.M. take the stage, introduce themselves, welcome the crowd and explain, "The reason we're here is Greenpeace," before speeding into a powerful "Drive."

James follows, but the concert picks up with U2's "Until the End of the World." Some real energy starts pumping through the speakers with Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy's "Everyday Life Has Become a Health Risk," followed by Soundgarden and ex-Queen guitarist Brian May with "New Damage."

As the concert continues, the audience/listener gets a chance to hear some quality live tunes from the likes of Midnight Oil, UB40, Annie Lennox, P.M. Dawn and the Soup Dragons. Everything screeches to a halt with EMF's dreadful cover of Iggy Pop's "Search and Destroy."

Yothu Yindi picks things up a little with his unusual combinations of Australian aboriginal music and rock in "Yolngu Boy," but a bored-sounding Sonic Youth drops the ball again with "JC."

The high-energy performance of Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E gets it all back on track with "Fam Bam" before L7 finishes the concert.

"This is gonna be our last song," says L7's lead singer as the band rips into the powerful "Shitlist." "Thank you for . . . supporting this. This is a good cause."

The intro from R.E.M., the conclusion from L7 and the live performances throughout add to the feel of this all being one long, meaningful concert.

As far as I'm concerned, this solar power sounds pretty good.