Like a walk down the rail or passage through the thick mist of an early campground haze, “Dark Was the Night” is at its best when it takes its sweet time (”Cello Song” by The Books featuring Jose Gonzalez, “Lua” by Conor Oberst + Gillian Welch), and at its worst when that trip takes too damn long (”Sleepless” - The Decemberists) or just bores us along the way (”Amazing Grace” - Cat Power & Dirty Delta Blues).

33 tracks and nothing truly terrible. Not bad. Well done.
Highlights include:

• “Inspiration Information” - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
• The short & sweet track from Iron & Wine, entitled “Die”.
• “El Caporal” by My Morning Jacket which might as well be from 1959, not 2009.
• “Hey, Snow White” by The New Pornographers

Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National produced the album and all the proceeds go to AIDS research through the Red Hot Organization - an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS. This compilation reminds me of a great big hug from an old friend in the doorway of a northern Wisconsin ice cream shoppe in early Spring. It’s a good place to be.

• Original Release Date: February 17, 2009
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: 4ad Records

$11.99