I went looking for the newest Beirut album online, to download not to buy; I wanted to test it out before I purchased it because I had found the last one somewhat ho-hum. Among the three full-length albums, I also found several EPs and a compilation. Dark Was the Night is its title and it is among the offerings of the Red Hot Organization, an amazing group dedicated to raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS research, which I first heard of in high school. On this compilation are 31 tracks of the sublime, the joyous, and a few surprises. Another highly recommended compilation is Rough Trade’s Counter Culture ’08. Two CDs, two different moods, the whole thing grows on you.
These compilations together represent the best introduction to some of the newer indie bands out there (I’m differentiating between 90s indie and…gag with me on this designation…Noughties indie) that I’ve run across. The opening track by Department of Eagles is a highlight. And I had not heard Yeasayer yet. It was exciting to be introduced to Crystal Stilts and Vivian Girls. I wasn’t strongly in the know regarding Bon Iver. It took some digging to discover that Aarron and Bryce Dessner form one half of The National, a band for which I already harbor friendly feelings. I had forgotten how perfectly amazing Feist’s voice is. And how transcendent is Antony’s.
As with any compilation, the greatest joy is in having so many different voices in one place. Go buy them. Really. Most of the links take you directly to Other Music, a site where, if you live in the United States, you can purchase DRM-free tracks and albums at 320 kbps, the absolute minimum acceptable quality for mp3s.
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