Sweet, right? Now what would you say if we told you that you’d be doing something for others just by purchasing it? Too good to be true you say? Nope.
Dark Was The Night is the latest compilation from the people at the Red Hot Organization – the 20th as a matter of fact.
RHO was started in 1989 as an international charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for HIV and AIDS through music. Titles released by the organization over the years have included classic collections like Red Hot + Blue, No Alternative and Red Hot + Rio.
The double disc, which hit the streets last week, has earned raves from places like the BBC, which posted this review:
“This wonderful compilation is a dream come true to followers of the latest and greatest bands on the alternative/nu-folk rock scene. Compiled by Aaron and Bryce Dessner from The National, the cast of performers here reads like a Who’s-Who of acts Pitchfork readers like to name drop.”
Other acts contributing to Dark include David Byrne (who sang on the first Red Hot compilation), Dirty Projectors, The National, Yeasayer, My Brightest Diamond, Kronos Quartet, Antony with Bryce Dessner, Iron and Wine, Beirut, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Buck 65, The New Pornographers, Yo La Tengo, Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues, Andrew Bird and Conor Oberst with Gillian Welch.
Yeah, it’s an impressive list of artists, but are the songs any good? Well, according to that same BBC review:
“Overall the tracks combine to produce a collection which is eclectic and entertaining without sounding disjointed. The quality rarely dips; surprisingly it’s the title track which veers too far towards noodling. The majority of the artists have clearly delivered their best work rather than throwaway B-sides which can often make up these compilations.”
Sounds like a winner to us!
But don’t just take our word or the BBC’s, here are three cuts from the album to help convince you.
Here’s hoping the Red Hot Organization puts together a live event featuring these and past artists to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Read more about Dark Was The Night and the Red Hot Organization here.
Read the complete review posted by the BBC here.