Dark Was the Night-A Red Hot Benefit
Posted on | August 20, 2009 | No Comments
Topping my favorite-music-of-the year list is Dark Was the Night, a compilation put out by the creative and tenacious folks at The Red Hot Organization. This “international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS” has been releasing amazing compilations for two decades, embracing just about every genre and style in their passionate pursuit to educate and activate the masses via music.
Named after a Blind Willie Johnson song, Dark Was the Night is their 20th release (yes, I said 20) and is a favorite among favorites. A veritable who’s who of the indie music scene, filled with original and exclusive tracks, this compilation stands apart from the sea of comps and collaborations with it’s outstanding artist involvement, production and design quality.
Gathered and produced by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National, the hearts and creative talents behind the project include David Byrne, Grizzly Bear, My Brightest Diamond, The Decemberists, Iron & Wine, Kronos Quartet, Antony, Arcade Fire, Beirut, Blonde Redhead, Gillian Welch, Sharon Jones…shall I continue? Seriously, the list of artists goes on and on and doesn’t ever start to slack, and the performances are unexpected, soulful and intimate. “Some of [the artists] have said that these are among the best tracks they’ve ever done” said Red Hot founder and executive producer John Carlin.
The first half of this two disc set leans heavily into folk, roots and blues territory while the second is more of a glimpse into the state of independent rock and alternative soul music today. Personal highlights include: Antony covering “I Was Young When I Left Home,” Kronos Quartet playing “Dark Was The Night,” Grizzly Bear and Feist’s “Service Bell,” and Conor Oberst and Gillian Welch’s “Lua.”
There was also a Dark Was the Night concert at Radio City Music Hall which NPR recorded and broadcast. Listen to the concert now.
For more info on the making of this masterpiece and, check out Paul Mitchell’s article Dark Was the Night-A Chronicle.
Available through your independent record store or Buy Now
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