The National have now basically proven themselves to be indie rock heavyweights. The bands new album, High Violet (out today), is now their third album in a row that is near perfect. It's too early to say if this is my favorite album of the year so far, but it's certainly dominated my headphones for the past weeks.One of the most notable things about The National is not only Matt Berninger's deep vocals but also his lyrics. Berninger is one of my favorite lyricists in music today and this album won't sway that opinion any. Really the only thing different about this new album is there seems to be a lot less guitar, and it definitely isn't a bad thing when you look at the final product.
At first listen I thought the album was top loaded with great songs with first three tracks, 'Terrible Love', 'Sorrow' and 'Anyone's Ghost', until I realized there isn't really a misstep of a track on the whole album. A contender for best song, 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' is a track that would fit nicely on their previous masterpiece, Boxer. Like Boxer, my favorite tracks on High Violet are at the end of the album. 'England' and 'Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks' close out this album in brilliant fashion, with the latter being another pick for best track on the record.
The National aren't touring anywhere near KC so far on this tour...someone can correct me but I don't think they've ever played this area, which sucks since they're from the midwest (Ohio). Here's the band playing the new album's opener, 'Terrible Love', for Pitchfork (it takes a minute into the video before the band plays, but it's worth it):
-Matt
1 comment:
"The National have now basically proven themselves to be indie rock heavyweights." Very well put. Although they have different styles, I put Spoon in this category as well. Both these bands continuously put out great f'in albums! Besides the new Band Of Horses 'Infinite Arms' (out 5/18), I would have to say that 'High Violet' is my most anticipated album of 2010. I will go even further and say that The National is the one American band that I've never seen live that I would choose above all others in seeing in an intimate venue. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they make it our way.
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