The Darkest Night Of The Year is a Christmas album by the group Over the Rhine, released independently in 1996. It is their fifth studio album overall, and the last to feature the band's original lineup.

The album features six interpretations of traditional Christmas songs, three original instrumentals, three vocal compositions, and a second version of "Silent Night" featuring Terri Templeton, who was touring with Over The Rhine as a secondary vocalist at the time. Ten years later, Over The Rhine would release a second Christmas album, Snow Angels with a greater emphasis on original compositions.

This album is notable for being the first Over The Rhine album not to feature the photography of Michael Wilson. The cover illustration is by David Sheldon. Additionally, this is the only full-length OTR album to feature bassist Chris Dahlgren, who began touring with the band in 1996 to accommodate Linford Detweiler's move to keyboards.

Personnel

*Karin Bergquist: vocals

*Linford Detweiler: Upright piano, acoustic guitar, harmonium, electric bass

*Ric Hordinski: Guitars, e-bow

*Chris Dahlgren: Acoustic bass

*Brian Kelley: Drum kit

Additional Personnel

*Norm Johns: Cello

*Terri Templeton: additional vocal on "Silent Night (duet)"

Credits

*Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11 Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Linford Detweiler in the Third Story Bedroom.

*Tracks 6, 13 Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Ric Hordinski at Mersey Beat.

*Track 2 Produced by Ric Hordinski and Linford Detweiler, Guitars and Drums Recorded and Mixed by Ric at Mersey Beat, assisted by Steve Harris, Vocals and Basses Recorded by Linford, Final Mix by Linford in the Bedroom.

*Tracks 9, 12 Produced by Linford Detweiler, Recorded and Mixed by Dale Smith at Sound Images.

Category:1996 albums

Category:Over the Rhine albums