This Is Going To Be So Good

by Bob Boilen

On Sunday, May 3, New York's Radio City Music Hall is hosting a concert called Dark Was the Night, and All Songs Considered will be there to record the show.

Dark was the Night is just about the best CD this year. It's a collection of 31 original tunes by Antony Hegarty, Arcade Fire, Beirut, Andrew Bird, Blonde Redhead, Bon Iver, The Books, David Byrne, and that's not even getting past the letter B. It was produced by Aaron Dessner and his brother Bryce, who are members of the band The National. The proceeds from the CD and the concert benefit the Red Hot Organization -- which, according to the Dark Was the Night Web site, is "an international charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for HIV and AIDS through popular culture."

The live show in New York will feature performances by Dirty Projectors, David Byrne, My Brightest Diamond, The National, Dave Sitek (from TV on the Radio), Bon Iver, Feist, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and some sort of wonderful finale, I'm sure.

Though we won't webcast this live, you'll be able to hear the show about a week later on our concert Web site and in our Live Concerts podcast.

I've always found that concerts and CDs for a cause have their heart in the right place, but more often than not lack cohesion. Dark Was the Night is a refreshing exception. What do you think?

9:59 AM ET | 04-29-2009 | permalink

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