Friday, March 6, 2009

Dark Was the Night

Dark Was the Night is a compilation album released on February 17, 2009. Now, I'm not usually one for compilation albums, if I like an artist I'll get the whole thing. I don't want bits and pieces, thats why I use hype machine, to see if it's worth listening to (I'll also go on friend recommendations). I have only heard a few songs off of Dark Was the Night, but I already know I have to go buy it. Why?
Well here's a little background info. Dark Was the Night was assembled by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National for the Red Hot Organization (an organization fighting HIV/AIDS through pop culture and raising awareness) so you already know it's a worthwhile cause. Furthermore, it's been two years in the making because, and here's the kicker, it features new (and a few covers) songs by (here are SOME of the artists):
Andrew Bird
Antony + Bryce Dessner
Arcade Fire
Beach House
Beirutdark was the night, album, indie music
Blonde Redhead + Devastations
Bon Iver
Buck 65 Remix (featuring Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti)
Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues
The Decemberists
Dirty Projectors + David Byrne
Kevin Drew
Feist + Ben Gibbard
Grizzly Bear + Feist
Iron & Wine
My Brightest Diamond
My Morning Jacket
The National
The New Pornographers
Spoon
Sufjan Stevens
Yo La Tengo
All I can say is... nothing. It is bound to be 2 cd's of gold. In particular some of these collaborations are looking pretty good, Feist alone is good, but with Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie, and The Postal Service) or Grizzly Bear, amazing. There are so many reasons to buy this album, I don't think it's avoidable.

3 comments:

  1. First of all, amaaaaazing line up of artists on that compilation holy moly.
    Secondly, LOVE the new title thing at the top of the page. Soooo good.

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  2. I've been listening to the fist cd a bit, and, it is probably the best quality compilation I know of. Usually i steer clear of them because there is no continuity besides the relationships between artists on the album. Instead, a brilliantly ordering of musical talent is achieved. definitely worth the attention.

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  3. Wow, sounds awesome! I'll keep my eyes peeled for it next time I'm in HMV.

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