CheekyChicago

It’s official. Music really CAN change the world. At least, that’s the goal of Dark Was The Night – the twentieth compilation album to benefit Red Hot, an organization dedicated to raising funds for AIDS and HIV awareness. Produced by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National, Dark… is a double CD featuring 31 exclusive tracks by independent artists such as Arcade Fire, Conor Oberst, Feist and The Decemberists.

The compilation gently weaves in and out of emotive darkness from the first track to the last. The first disc (“This Disc”) starts off with “Knotty Pine” by Dirty Projectors and David Byrne (and the fitting lyric, “Here is the sound that photographs make” – each song on this disc is indeed a memorable snapshot). Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie and Feist cover Vashti Bunyan’s “Train Song”; each sing separate verses but their voices meld together perfectly for the chorus – it’s as if they knew they were meant to sing a duet. Sensuality and strings permeate My Brightest Diamond’s version of “Feeling Good”, while Kronos Quartet delivers a stunning instrumental rendition of blues singer/guitarist Blind Willie Johnson’s “Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground.”

Disc Two (“That Disc”) features an unforgettable collaboration between Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues on “Amazing Grace” – her vocals may be understated, but the emotion behind Power’s vibrato is palpable and raw. Chicago’s own Andrew Bird contributes “The Giant of Illinois”; violins and simple electric guitar accompany his captivating voice. Yo La Tengo’s quiet but almost psychedelic “Gentle Hour” is as soothing musically as it is lyrically (and serves well as an overall message to listeners): “It’s such a pleasure to touch your heart/… And I couldn’t have done anything else…”

Throughout its 20-year-run, RHO has made an indelible mark on pop culture through its compilation albums – Dark Was The Night is no exception. As Aaron Dessner states, “Our nights may be dark, but music gives us inspiration and the hope of brighter days to come.” For more information about this CD or The Red Hot Organization, please visit http://www.redhot.org.