This is going to be confusing when it comes time for those year-end, best of 2009 lists.
Already this year, the double-disc “Dark Was The Night” compilation has enraptured the indie-rock cognoscenti, with its charitable aim and contributions from folks like Andrew Bird, David Byrne, the Arcade Fire, Cat Power, The Decemberists, Feist, Ben Gibbard, My Morning Jacket, Sufjan Stevens and more.
Now comes the similarly titled indie-collabo fest “Dark Night of the Soul,” a project helmed by Sparklehorse’s Mark Linkous and hip-hop mega-producer (and half of Gnarls Barkley) Danger Mouse, with some sort of visual involvement by famed director David Lynch. Up to this point, details on the album have been evasive, but today, NPR has not only details, but also a stream of the entire album. And it’s pretty great. You can listen to it here.
And you probably should, because according to the NPR story, legal wrangling may prevent the music from ever being released. Lynch’s book of photos — without the music, but apparently coupled with a blank CD-R — can be ordered at the official “Dark Night” Web site.
I’m halfway through the stream, and the album is intriguing, with a murky, post-apocalyptic sound and guest artists on each track, including James Mercer of The Shins, The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Frank Black of the Pixies, Iggy Pop and more.
Again, it’s well worth your time. And again, you can hear it here.
Tags: Danger Mouse, Dark Night of the Soul, David Lynch, Sparklehorse
