I've been thinking a fair bit about the phrase "can't be arsed" recently.
It's not just that you don't care, it's that you really don't care. It has that English charm not present in not giving a "shit" or a "fuck" or a "good Goddamn". It's a really fun expression, perfectly evocative of your current level of concern.
The Red Hot Organization is the opposite of that. For 34 years, the Red Hot + series has created 25 benefit releases, benefiting public health, raising awareness, and supporting humanitarian causes. It led off with the likes of Tom Waits, U2, the Jungle Brothers, and Neneh Cherry performing Cole Porter songs. The latest releases came in 2023 with a trio of (brilliant-looking & sounding) Sun Ra tributes. Want contemporary takes on Fela Kuti, Tropicalia, George Gershwin? Look no further than Red Hot +.
"Dark Was The Night" was produced by the Dessner brothers, they of the National fame. Hosted by the National's label, the esteemed 4AD, this double CD/triple LP is a great snapshot of Western indie rock circa 2009. There are the old stalwarts (Yo La Tengo, Arcade Fire, the Decemberists), some (at the time) up & comers (Beirut, Yeasayer, Bon Iver), and some cool one-off collabs (Conor Oberst & Gillian Welch, Anohni & Bryce Dessner, Feist & Ben Gibbard). My personal fav is Cat Power performing with Jim White, Judah Bayer (JSBX), and Gregg Foreman (Delta 72), but, you know, there's something for everyone.
This is a good opportunity to mention that, if yoi like this, swing by Red Hot's Bandcamp and throw them some coin. While "Dark Was The Night" isn't available via Red Hot's or 4AD's Bandcamps, contributing to their mission by copping a digital version of that Sun Ra tribute, or 2022's deluxe reissue of "Red Hot + Riot" is a great way to pay back the enjoyment you get out of this one.
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