2009 triple vinyl LP pressing of this highly-anticipated charity album with profits benefitting the Red Hot Organization. Dark Was the Night began three years ago with a casual conversation between Aaron and Bryce Dessner of the National and John Carlin (Red Hot founder). in discussing the project, they agreed it made sense not to do a "theme" album per se; but something that showcased the best in independent music, with an emphasis on traditional themes played and arranged in a contemporary way, and on songwriting, which is the strength of many of the artists featured here. A total of 32 exclusive tracks have been recorded for the compilation including cuts from Dirty Projectors & David Byrne, Bon Iver, Feist & Ben Gibbard, the National, the Decemberists, Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens and many others.