Dark Was the Night - Various Artists

This album brings together a wide array of 'indie' artists both young (Zach Condon of Beirut) and old (David Byrne of he's David Byrne). The result is 31 tracks of hit and miss fun. The low point is certainly Sufjan Stevens' cry for attention coming at the end of the first half. Luckily there are many many high points. Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab) doesn't ruin a wonderful track by Feist which actually kicks off the most solid section of the entire album. Bon Iver and Grizzly Bear offer solid, un-experimental tracks that bring us to the Yeasayer track where frontman Chris Keating actually sings. The start of the flip side begins with an apology track from the always good Spoon. Which is followed nicely by our friends Arcade Fire and an uninspired offering from Beirut. Probably the last noteworthy track on the second half is Cat Power doing a very nice rendition of 'Amazing Grace.' All told this is definitely an album to check out if you have any interest in the aforementioned artists (except Sufjan Stevens).

WORTH THE LISTEN

3.5 out of 5
Buy this album: Dark Was the Night