Pitchfork

Back in May, we learned about an exciting new benefit compilation that's in the works. Curated by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of the National, the compilation will gather a galaxy of indie all-stars in the service of the Red Hot Organization, which raises awareness and funds for AIDS research.

Now, we have some more concrete details about the project. Its title will be Dark Was the Night, after the Blind Willie Johnson song, which will be covered by the Kronos Quartet on the compilation. A release date in February 2009 is being targeted by 4AD, and it will feature 32 exclusive songs spread out over two CDs or three LPs. This is the 20th installment in Red Hot's compilation series, and it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the organization.

As Aaron Dessner told us, Dark Was the Night will feature contributions from Sufjan Stevens, Feist with Grizzly Bear, Feist with Ben Gibbard, Grizzly Bear by themselves, the Decemberists, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, the National with Nico Muhly, David Byrne and Dirty Projectors, Bright Eyes, Spoon, the New Pornographers, Antony (with Bryce Dessner), Belle and Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch, the Books with José González (covering Nick Drake's "Cello Song"), Blonde Redhead, Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, My Brightest Diamond (covering "Feeling Good", famously interpreted by Nina Simone), Sigur Rós offshoot Riceboy Sleeps, and TV on the Radio's David Sitek.

Whew. This is going to be amazing!