Kelly Haigh and Richard Chapman both find it “ridiculous” that a certain coffee franchise has become one of North America’s leading music retailers. Hence the arrival of East Van Special Blend: Dark Roast, an 18-track compilation featuring Haigh (joining Austin songwriter Darius Greene on his song “I’ll Bury You”), along with the likes of Herald Nix, Rodney DeCroo, David Newberry, and Pointed Sticks.

“Kelly was saying, ‘We should get local product into the stores instead of this mainstream stuff that Starbucks has,’” Chapman told the Straight. They found an ally in Commercial Drive Coffee Company, which partnered with Chapman’s Northern Electric label for the release. “We thought we’d just try to use their marketing clout to highlight the values we share, which are community, music, and culture,” said Chapman.

Naturally, East Van Special Blend is available at various java outlets on the Drive and Main Street, including both locations of Continental Coffee. Chapel Arts hosts a release party featuring Haigh, DeCroo, the Modelos, and Mac Pontiac next Thursday (January 30).