The Getty Address

The Getty Address is an album by indie band Dirty Projectors. It is described as "a glitch opera" about musician Don Henley, although it also explores themes like ancient Mexico, post-9/11 America, and oil. The album boasts over 25 musicians on it, most of whom contributed to the orchestral and choral backing of the album. These parts were recorded at Yale University as well as other locations in New Haven, Connecticut over a period spanning over five months, and were chopped up digitally to create the backings of the album. Dave Longstreth then overdubbed his own vocals, guitar, bass, and other instruments to create the songs on the album. Although the lyrics have been described as gibberish, the words actually do tell a narrative beginning with Don Henley contemplating suicide, and ending with a new installment of Longstreth's songs involving brown finches.

In 2010, Dirty Projectors collaborated with Alarm Will Sound to create a live-performance version of The Getty Address. Transcription and arrangements were done by Alarm Will Sound members Matt Marks, Alan Pierson and Chris Thompson. The piece was performed by both groups at Lincoln Center, Disney Hall, and the Barbican Centre.

Track listing

"I Sit on the Ridge at Dusk" - 4:55
"But in the Headlights" - 1:50
"Warholian Wigs" - 4:32
"I Will Truck" - 5:17
"D. Henley's Dream" - 4:18
"Gilt Gold Scabs" - 5:27
"Ponds & Puddles" - 3:50
"Not Having Found" - 4:43
"Tour Along the Potomac" - 4:13
"Jolly Jolly Jolly Ego" - 5:34
"Time Birthed Spilled Blood" - 3:03
"Drilling Profitably" - 4:29
- Uses a string figure from Grandfather's Hanging on Slaves' Graves & Ballads.
"Finches' Song at Oceanic Parking Lot" - 4:08