The National

Thoughts_Arrive

I've just listened to samples of albums on Amazon, not sure I like this band, the songs sound all dark and sad, no hooks.

Better Dan

Thoughts_Arrive wrote:

I've just listened to samples of albums on Amazon, not sure I like this band, the songs sound all dark and sad, no hooks.

The main thing that I didn't like from the few songs I have heard was the vocal style and delivery. I'm still willing to give them a chance based on the good word of mouth, but they are not high on my "to listen to list."

Thoughts_Arrive, have you listened to any Mumford and Sons? I really got into them a few months ago and they might be up your alley if you are looking for new indie bands. Amazon currently has the mp3 album for $5.00. Songs to check out: The Cave, Winter Winds, Little Lion Man.

dcfaithful

Thoughts_Arrive wrote:

I've just listened to samples of albums on Amazon, not sure I like this band, the songs sound all dark and sad, no hooks.

The no hooks thing is the same reason my g/f can't stand this band. Give em a chance though, cause they grow on you, or at least they did for me.

jimed14

Thoughts_Arrive wrote:

I've just listened to samples of albums on Amazon, not sure I like this band, the songs sound all dark and sad, no hooks.

Samples are such a bad way to listen to a band IMO.

At the very least, listen to a few full songs on Grooveshark or Youtube.

Not saying things will change, just think folks miss out when they listen to 30 second snippets.

tcaporale

The first song I ever heard from them was "Mr. November". A friend of mine was playing it in the car and I was totally taken aback (in a good way) by the chorus.

Love that song.

SVRDhand13

tcaporale wrote:

The first song I ever heard from them was "Mr. November". A friend of mine was playing it in the car and I was totally taken aback (in a good way) by the chorus.

Love that song.

The lead singer always goes into the crowd during this song. I have seen them 4 times and twice he ended up right next to me .

musicismylife78

there are hooks, but they are indeed a sad and dark band. As i said before, they write about that period in your twenties, when you question whether your dreams and hopes for the future were just that, dreams, and you are stuck in some dead end job, putting on a smile, but not happy inside.

I dont see how sad and dark is a bad thing though.

They have moments of beauty as well. Have you listened to the entire High Violet? you picking up on the many textures and layers i mentioned previously?

how about Vanderlyle Crybaby? those gorgeous strings? or a song like Bloodbuzz, which is insanely catchy and fun? Anyone's Ghost, and Bryan's drumming. Conversation 16, just is so smooth of a song, and paints such a powerful image, "leave the silver city cause all the silver city girls gave us black dreams". What a goosebump inducing way to talk about wanting to leave a place that is bringing you down! Afraid of Everyone, with Sufjan ohhinh and ahhing in the background and then the brothers Dessner playing that looping guitar riff, and matt singing,
' your voice is swallowing my soul soul soul".

What hasnt been discussed yet, is how dynamic the band is. Youve got one of the best lyricists of our generation leading the band, Matt Berninger. then you have a drummer who is one of the most dynamic of our generation. He's unbelievable. He has chops, but alot of the stuff on HV is understated, but its still levels and levels above most other drummers working today. Then you've got the brothers Dessner on guitar.

As far as im concerned, The national are one of the most important indie bands.

musicismylife78

the nationals fans, i count myself as one, are an extremely passionate bunch. there is no in between with this band. you REALLY love the band, or you hate them. One can imagine live shows with people hanging on every word Matt sings.

these songs to me represent more than just a record, or a band. they are able to describe the past 6 years of my life to a t. they get it. matt gets it. All the self doubt, lost feelings, confusion, anger, sadness, its all there, sounds that paint a technicolor portrait.

musicismylife78

oh you also gotta listen to the 90 mile water wall song off Sad songs. such a great song. shows the versatility of the band. when that violin kicks at 2:00 in, JESUS!!

Thoughts_Arrive

musicismylife78 wrote:

As i said before, they write about that period in your twenties, when you question whether your dreams and hopes for the future were just that, dreams, and you are stuck in some dead end job, putting on a smile, but not happy inside.

Yep I am in that boat now.
Unemployed and don't know what I want to do career wise.

Thoughts_Arrive

Better Dan wrote:

Thoughts_Arrive wrote:

I've just listened to samples of albums on Amazon, not sure I like this band, the songs sound all dark and sad, no hooks.

The main thing that I didn't like from the few songs I have heard was the vocal style and delivery. I'm still willing to give them a chance based on the good word of mouth, but they are not high on my "to listen to list."

Thoughts_Arrive, have you listened to any Mumford and Sons? I really got into them a few months ago and they might be up your alley if you are looking for new indie bands. Amazon currently has the mp3 album for $5.00. Songs to check out: The Cave, Winter Winds, Little Lion Man.

Nah, heard one song on TV, Little Lion Man, haven't given them enough attention.

dcfaithful

I just wanted to point something out that has always stood out to me. High Violet, the track "Afraid Of Everyone", at the end of the song... do the drums not sound like a machine gun firing?

Maybe weird, but I just can't get the imagine out of my head.

I love this fucking band.

dcfaithful

Thoughts_Arrive wrote:

musicismylife78 wrote:

As i said before, they write about that period in your twenties, when you question whether your dreams and hopes for the future were just that, dreams, and you are stuck in some dead end job, putting on a smile, but not happy inside.

Yep I am in that boat now.
Unemployed and don't know what I want to do career wise.

I feel your pain. I'm employed, but I loathe it, which might be worse...

What musicismylife said is one of the main reasons I love and associate with this band so much. Numerous times they've expressed how I'm feeling.

jervin007

scored tickets to the upcoming boston show this morning at the bank of america pavillion. psyched!! great band at an awesome venue! dead center and 15 rows back is pretty sweet too!

intodeep

This band is on fire.
Alligator
Boxer
High Violet

Fuck yes.

jervin007

intodeep wrote:

This band is on fire.
Alligator
Boxer
High Violet

Fuck yes.

Yeah, I saw them at Bonnaroo in 2007 but I was unfamiliar with them at that point. Since then I have become hooked on all their material. Looking forward to seeing them again.

SVRDhand13

intodeep wrote:

This band is on fire.
Alligator
Boxer
High Violet

Fuck yes.

Its not too often nowadays that a band releases 3 solid albums in a row. I consider all 3 of these to be one of the best of the year they were released.

kittykat416

I've been hearing about them ever since Boxer came out, but unfortunately never really started listening to them until this year... Now I'm HOOKED!

I first saw them at Osheaga festival in Montreal last summer; I didn't know any of their music and my energy was really flagging at that point in the evening... All I remember thinking was that "These guys sound really good, I just wish I had more energy to really pay attention & listen to them...". I also remember hearing they were playing at a small club down the street from me in Toronto for $10 back during the Boxer tour; although I didn't know their music I was going to go, but then bailed out at the last minute (week night, too tired after work, etc, etc) - I can't forgive myself now!

I finally picked up High Violet and the Boxer in January of this year and I can't stop listening to them (I've since bought Alligator as well, and need to dig back deeper still). I saw them at Coachella this year and they were definitely in my top 4 acts of the festival. But after just a 55 minute set, I've been waiting for the opportunity to see a full headlining show! I've been hoping for a New York show since I suspect they'll wrap up touring for High Violet this fall, but am settling for 2 nights in Philly in Sept - I can't wait!!

dcfaithful

I've never listened to their self-titled. Does anyone have an opinion on it?

tcaporale

It's not bad, it's not very fleshed out and the band is still trying to find their sound but it has some good songs. I don't think the band plays anything from it live these days.