Live In Concert from NPR's All Songs Considered Folgen

Benjy Ferree is a character with just enough charisma to draw you into his oddball world. While his subject matter is dark (his latest album revolves around a child actor whose life ended tragically), Ferree's music often has a lilt with hints of humor, as is evidenced by his Tiny Desk Concert.

In a year of great music, the 'Dark Was the Night' compilation is near the top. Now comes 'Dark Was the Night': The Concert, a truly mammoth undertaking. Members of The National curated the event to benefit AIDS research with performances by David Byrne, The Dirty Projectors, Bon Iver, Sharon Jones and My Brightest Diamond.

Annie Clark, who writes and records under the name St. Vincent, has never been a fan of convention. Her 2007 debut, Marry Me, was filled with off-kilter rhythms, strangely melodic electronic arrangements, and cryptic narratives. St. Vincent's latest release, a candidate for one of 2009's best albums, is even more surprising and inventive. Hear selections from the album, Actor, as St. Vincent gives a full concert, recorded live from Washington, D.C. on Friday, May 23, 2009.