The album Day of the Dead was a massive project. It contains five hours of music, with 59 tracks featuring artists like Mumford & Sons and Wilco and Courtney Barnett. It took four years for Aaron and Bryce Dessner to create and curate what they called a "love letter to the Grateful Dead."

 

Even more impressive, it was completed to raise funds for Red Hot, a global organization dedicated to battling HIV. Day of the Dead is expected to beat all previous fundraising attempts.

 

Artists were asked to reinterpret the songs and sounds of the Grateful Dead for a new generation. There is a limited edition 10-record LP release, though most will probably choose to buy a digital download of the collection.

 

“There remain roughly 35 million people infected with HIV in 2016," John Carlin, Red Hot founder, explained. "Most in the Global South who still don’t have access to drugs that could allow them to live healthy lives and prevent the spread of the disease. The Grateful Dead and all of the artists on this album generously donated their music so that all net proceeds will help organizations around the world prevent the spread of HIV and fight related health and social issues.”

 

Red Hot was established in 1989, and has created several tribute albums, concerts, and related events. It has raised over $10 million for HIV treatment and prevention.

 

Various purchase options are available through Amazon and iTunes.