The National (Official Thread)

[IWasaCamera]

I couldn't find an official thread for them so here it is. What are everyone's opinions regarding this band? Favorite albums or songs? Discuss.

And feel free to check them out if you haven't already at www.myspace.com/thenational

[Genuma]

Boxer was a pretty solid album.

[IWasaCamera]

Boxer was my best of the year.

[Genuma]

Not for me. But still pretty damn good.

[IWasaCamera]

What is your top album thus far then?

[Genuma]

Hard to say. I really don't know.....

[IWasaCamera]

Well a top 5 then. I'm curious.

[Genuma]

Boxer would probably be in top 5. I'll just list all my favorites of the year.

Boxer, Church Mouth, The Needles The Space, Infinity On High, A Lesson In Romantics, Paper Walls, Truth In Sincerity. I think that's it. I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

[El_Jeffe]

thanks for the thread mate. i've been hearing nothing but good things about this album & have been meaning to check them out. last time i tried though, i couldn't find anything to check out haha, but i'll try again later on & return with some thoughts. a recc from you, i have a good feeling about this

[IWasaCamera]

thanks for the thread mate. i've been hearing nothing but good things about this album & have been meaning to check them out. last time i tried though, i couldn't find anything to check out haha, but i'll try again later on & return with some thoughts. a recc from you, i have a good feeling about this

Well I hope you enjoy it. Boxer is a great late-night album and one of, if not the best release this year in my opinion. And thanks for the kind words. I've enjoyed most of the artists you've recommended thus far so it's a two-way street.

[IWasaCamera]

Boxer would probably be in top 5. I'll just list all my favorites of the year.

Boxer, Church Mouth, The Needles The Space, Infinity On High, A Lesson In Romantics, Paper Walls, Truth In Sincerity. I think that's it. I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
Wow, The National sticks out like a sore thumb in that list. Glad you enjoy the album though.

[Genuma]

Wow, The National sticks out like a sore thumb in that list. Glad you enjoy the album though.It does. I picked it up as a reccomendation. Good stuff.

[myantiyou]

I couldn't find an official thread for them so here it is. What are everyone's opinions regarding this band? Favorite albums or songs? Discuss.

And feel free to check them out if you haven't already at www.myspace.com/thenational (http://www.myspace.com/thenational)

Ilu for showing me this band.

[myantiyou]

I hella replayed Mistaken For Strangers over and over again like 50 times. Just doesn't get old.

[Genuma]

Mistaken For Stranger is a great song. I'm glad The National is getting some airplay now too.

[IWasaCamera]

Ilu for showing me this band.

haha I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had the exact same reaction you did with Boxer and couldn't stop playing it for weeks. I still listen to it on a near-daily basis.

Oh by the way, if Boxer is all you've heard, don't look into their older material unless you want to be disappointed.

[myantiyou]

Mistaken For Stranger is a great song. I'm glad The National is getting some airplay now too.

Hell yeah.

haha I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had the exact same reaction you did with Boxer and couldn't stop playing it for weeks. I still listen to it on a near-daily basis.

Oh by the way, if Boxer is all you've heard, don't look into their older material unless you want to be disappointed.

I'll make sure I pick up a copy of Boxer, then.

Out for the night, good night all.

[IWasaCamera]

I'll make sure I pick up a copy of Boxer, then.

Out for the night, good night all.

You should definitely do that.

And goodnight :wave:

[3mpire]

Boxer is def in my top 5 of the year.

Squalor Victoria <3 (love the piano)

[IWasaCamera]

While skimming through the general forum, I stumbled across two stellar Boxer b-sides from the Mistaken For Strangers single. If anyone's interested, make your way over to http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=7112755&highlight=The+National#post7112755

[IWasaCamera]

Boxer is def in my top 5 of the year.

Squalor Victoria <3 (love the piano)
Nice. What else is in your top 5?

[FeynmanWannabe]

Album of the Year (so far).

[meeotch]

Boxer is in my top 10 for sure. That reminds me I need to rearrange my RYM and I need to check out their other releases.

[IWasaCamera]

Album of the Year (so far).
Agreed...although I'm guessing the "so far" has much to do with Iron & Wine's upcoming album.

[IWasaCamera]

Boxer is in my top 10 for sure. That reminds me I need to rearrange my RYM and I need to check out their other releases.
Their other releases are quite poor to be honest. Alligator was decent in parts and forgettable in others while the 2 first full-lengths sound like an entirely different band.

[meeotch]

Their other releases are quite poor to be honest. Alligator was decent in parts and forgettable in others while the 2 first full-lengths sound like an entirely different band.
I remember hearing a lot about Alligator when it was released but what I listened to didn't sound too special. My taste has evolved a great deal since then, though.

[IWasaCamera]

I remember hearing a lot about Alligator when it was released but what I listened to didn't sound too special. My taste has evolved a great deal since then, though.

Alligator really wasn't all that great an album in my opinion. Boxer is nearly flawless though, and makes me glad I didn't write this band off after first hearing them a few years ago.

[FeynmanWannabe]

Agreed...although I'm guessing the "so far" has much to do with Iron & Wine's upcoming album. It was everything to do with Shephard's Dog! (and Okkervil River's new album, as well as Josh Ritter)

Their other releases are quite poor to be honest. Alligator was decent in parts and forgettable in others while the 2 first full-lengths sound like an entirely different band. Disagree. The two previous albums are definitely solid in their own right. Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers was very good the entire way through and Alligator has some of their very best songs. I need to sink my teeth into the s/t a bit more, though.

[meeotch]

Gotcha. My favorite track right now is Apartment Story.

[IWasaCamera]

It was everything to do with Shephard's Dog! (and Okkervil River's new album, as well as Josh Ritter)
I'd completely forgotten about Josh Ritter's new album. Here's hoping it can match or surpass The Animal Years.

[IWasaCamera]

Disagree. The two previous albums are definitely solid in their own right. Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers was very good the entire way through and Alligator has some of their very best songs. I need to sink my teeth into the s/t a bit more, though.

I couldn't answer both of your posts at the same time for some reason. Anyway, I can't sit through most of their older work. The only tolerable past releases for me are the Cherry Tree EP which sort of hinted at the band's future direction and Alligator which is slightly above average at best in my estimation.

[IWasaCamera]

Gotcha. My favorite track right now is Apartment Story.
Ada for me.

Have you checked out the two b-sides from the Mistaken For Strangers single? I posted a link a little earlier in the thread if you're at all interested.

[FeynmanWannabe]

I'd completely forgotten about Josh Ritter's new album. Here's hoping it can match the or surpass The Animal Years. I've heard it's a little bit different, but I'm fine with that. Seems like all my favorite bands are stepping outside a box a bit with their releases this year. I can't wait to buy it.

I couldn't answer both of your posts at the same time for some reason. Anyway, I can't sit through most of their older work. The only tolerable past releases for me are the Cherry Tree EP which sort of hinted at the band's future direction and Alligator which is slightly above average at best in my estimation. Weird about the answering my post. To each their own. Revisit the albums at some point, though, as you might find something you enjoy eventually.

Ada for me.

Have you checked out the two b-sides from the Mistaken For Strangers single? I posted a link a little earlier in the thread if you're at all interested. Something about Slow Show just makes me love it, but there are several tracks that are potential favorites. I have those two songs, but I have to listen to them still.

[FeynmanWannabe]

Ada for me.

Have you checked out the two b-sides from the Mistaken For Strangers single? I posted a link a little earlier in the thread if you're at all interested.
By the way, your avatar is glorious - my second favorite album ever probably.

[IWasaCamera]

Something about Slow Show just makes me love it, but there are several tracks that are potential favorites. I have those two songs, but I have to listen to them still.

They aren't anything spectacular but are solid nonetheless.

[FeynmanWannabe]

They aren't anything spectacular but are solid nonetheless.
Exactly what I'd expect from b-sides. :-)

[IWasaCamera]

By the way, your avatar is glorious - my second favorite album ever probably.
Thank you. It has favorite album of all time honors for me. If Pink Moon is second on your list, what's number one?

Oh and have you picked up Family Tree yet? I tried to keep the Nick Drake thread alive but it seems no one cares much for him round these parts so I'll move the discussion here.

[IWasaCamera]

Exactly what I'd expect from b-sides. :-)

haha I couldn't agree more.

[FeynmanWannabe]

Thank you. It has favorite album of all time honors for me. If Pink Moon is second on your list, what's number one?

Oh and have you picked up Family Tree yet? I tried to keep the Nick Drake thread alive but it seems no one cares much for him round these parts so I'll move the discussion here.
Increasingly becoming a cliche around these parts, but Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
.
Not yet, it was too expensive for my tastes when I was in the record store and I was planning to order it online. Thanks for the reminder. I might have demos of most of the songs already, but I don't care. haha Did you pick it up? What do you think? I might have a bunch of unreleased Nick Drake stuff you'd be interested in.

[IWasaCamera]

Increasingly becoming a cliche around these parts, but Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
.
Not yet, it was too expensive for my tastes when I was in the record store and I was planning to order it online. Thanks for the reminder. I might have demos of most of the songs already, but I don't care. haha Did you pick it up? What do you think? I might have a bunch of unreleased Nick Drake stuff you'd be interested in.

Yeah that album sure is getting a lot of praise recently. It's probably at number 3 or 4 for me. It's a shame On Avery Island was so mediocre though.

I picked up Family Tree and was surprised to tell you the truth. It's actually quite good and the new piano version of Way To Blue is awesome. I tend to be somewhat apprehensive when it comes to demos and b-sides and I was quite pleasantly surprised. Seems the man can do no wrong.

[FeynmanWannabe]

Yeah that album sure is getting a lot of praise recently. It's probably at number 3 or 4 for me. It's a shame On Avery Island was so mediocre though.

I picked up Family Tree and was surprised to tell you the truth. It's actually quite good and the new piano version of Way To Blue is awesome. I tend to be somewhat apprehensive when it comes to demos and b-sides and I was quite pleasantly surprised. Seems the man can do no wrong.
I probably wouldn't go so far as to call it mediocre as it's probably still better than anything most bands ever record. It has some definite highlights. Definitely overshadowed by Aeroplane, though.

Yeah, I've heard mention of the piano version. Can't wait to hear it. I love listening to demos and all that jazz. I'm sure I'll love it when I finally do pick it up.

[IWasaCamera]

I probably wouldn't go so far as to call it mediocre as it's probably still better than anything most bands ever record. It has some definite highlights. Definitely overshadowed by Aeroplane, though.
Maybe it's just me but I found it pretty average; Aeroplane blows it out of the water in my opinion. I do agree that it's far better than what most bands out there release though, which is somewhat disheartening.

And you should definitely pick up Family Tree. I can't see how a Nick Drake enthusiast would be disappointed by it.

[meeotch]

On Letterman tonight.:woot:

[IWasaCamera]

On Letterman tonight.:woot:
I don't watch Letterman but good for them. Boxer is still hands down the best album of the year.

[meeotch]

I don't watch Letterman but good for them. Boxer is still hands down the best album of the year.
They played Fake Empire. It was solid for sure. I can not wait to see them next month.

[JyJelly]

Amazing band. Listening to them now. They were just here in Atlanta at the Masquerade but i missed them.

[IWasaCamera]

Amazing band. Listening to them now. They were just here in Atlanta at the Masquerade but i missed them.
Favorite album?

[El_Jeffe]

finially heard a fair chunk of boxer, great recc mate. i still need some time to really settle with it, but it's got a great all round sound & i'm getting into it. although at times the vocals feel a little borrowed, from who i can't put my finger on it, but maybe that's just me (as i said, i still need more time with it). lyrically it's a goodie & seems like it'd be great to hear live

[IWasaCamera]

finially heard a fair chunk of boxer, great recc mate. i still need some time to really settle with it, but it's got a great all round sound & i'm getting into it. although at times the vocals feel a little borrowed, from who i can't put my finger on it, but maybe that's just me (as i said, i still need more time with it). lyrically it's a goodie & seems like it'd be great to hear live
Yeah, I'd say the vocals are somewhat reminiscent of Lou Reed. I'm glad you enjoyed Boxer though. It's such an awesome late-night album.

[recall reality]

Indeed they are good live. I had no idea who they were when I saw them, I was waiting for the band after them and I was pleasently surprised by what I witnessed. They were a lively bunch, lots going on on stage, and the music definitely kept my attention. I havent really given thier recorded stuff a fair chance, what I've heard was ok. great live though.

[IWasaCamera]

Indeed they are good live. I had no idea who they were when I saw them, I was waiting for the band after them and I was pleasently surprised by what I witnessed. They were a lively bunch, lots going on on stage, and the music definitely kept my attention. I havent really given thier recorded stuff a fair chance, what I've heard was ok. great live though.
Who were you waiting to see? Anyway, definitely give Boxer a listen.

[recall reality]

I was waiting to see Rodrigo y Gabriela. This was at this years bonnaroo, first night of the fest. The National played from about 10:30-midnight, they had a pretty sweet light show in this tent, the ground was sand, the crowd was chill... it was a really unique environmet, made for a great show. I'll give boxer a listen sometime this week, shouldnt be hard to get.

[IWasaCamera]

They played Fake Empire. It was solid for sure. I can not wait to see them next month.
Here is said performance on Letterman (also the band's tv debut) in case anyone's interested. Gotta love the horn section.NBujZr20O6M

[JyJelly]

Favorite album?

Alligator.

[IWasaCamera]

Alligator.
I find Boxer miles ahead of any of their previous work but to each his own.

[El_Jeffe]

Yeah, I'd say the vocals are somewhat reminiscent of Lou Reed. I'm glad you enjoyed Boxer though. It's such an awesome late-night album.

after throwing in berlin last night, i think that might be it, who i was thinking about haha. the more i listen to boxer though, the more i forget who else it sounds like & am really starting to appreciate it on it's own. great find of '07 for me haha thanks again

[IWasaCamera]

after throwing in berlin last night, i think that might be it, who i was thinking about haha. the more i listen to boxer though, the more i forget who else it sounds like & am really starting to appreciate it on it's own. great find of '07 for me haha thanks again
You're welcome. More people need to give this band a listen.

[Pat k]

bump

holy shit - boxer is so good

i've listened to it straight through maybe 3 times today

i'll bump this again if it's on page 2 tomorrow

[myantiyou]

bump

holy shit - boxer is so good

i've listened to it straight through maybe 3 times today

i'll bump this again if it's on page 2 tomorrow

Yup.

[IWasaCamera]

bump

holy shit - boxer is so good

i've listened to it straight through maybe 3 times today

i'll bump this again if it's on page 2 tomorrow
Still my album of the year.

[Pat k]

Still my album of the year.

This quote + your avatar makes you one of my most musically compatible colleagues

[myantiyou]

Still my album of the year.

What is your avatar?

[Pat k]

Nick Drake - Pink Moon

[IWasaCamera]

This quote + your avatar makes you one of my most musically compatible colleagues
Your post made me look up the bands in your profile and I'm not too keen on many of them haha. Glad to hear you enjoy Boxer and Pink Moon though.

[myantiyou]

Nick Drake - Pink Moon

Oh yeah, okay thanks.

[myantiyou]

Your post made me look up the bands in your profile and I'm not too keen on many of them haha. Glad to hear you enjoy Boxer and Pink Moon though.

Not a big pop punk guy, huh. haha.

[Pat k]

Your post made me look up the bands in your profile and I'm not too keen on many of them haha. Glad to hear you enjoy Boxer and Pink Moon though.

I was just going off those two things

Your interests are slightly more 'indie' than mine, which is fine. I just threw a bunch of names on my profile and quickly forgot about it.

[IWasaCamera]

Not a big pop punk guy, huh. haha.
I used to be.

[IWasaCamera]

I was just going off those two things

Your interests are slightly more 'indie' than mine, which is fine. I just threw a bunch of names on my profile and quickly forgot about it.
Fair enough. To each his own.

[myantiyou]

I used to be.

Ha, well cool then. I used to hate pop punk, now I've come to apreesh.

[IWasaCamera]

Ha, well cool then. I used to hate pop punk, now I've come to apreesh.
Maybe it's me but I always thought it was the other way around (ie. loving pop-punk and then branching out musically).:shrug:

[mybreakingpoint]

Never heard of this band before now.

Decent enough, but I couldn't get into his voice.

[myantiyou]

Maybe it's me but I always thought it was the other way around (ie. loving pop-punk and then branching out musically).:shrug:

Heh, yeah I've come to branch out and appreciate most music of every genre by now. I used to be a serious metal head in the middle school hahaha.

[IWasaCamera]

Heh, yeah I've come to branch out and appreciate most music of every genre by now. I used to be a serious metal head in the middle school hahaha.
haha I'd have never pegged you as a metal head from your posts here. Glad to hear you're broadening your horizons though. I was once under the impression that Deja was the greatest album of all time. We all grow up eventually.

[myantiyou]

haha I'd have never pegged you as a metal head from your posts here. Glad to hear you're broadening your horizons though. I was once under the impression that Deja was the greatest album of all time. We all grow up eventually.

Ha, true. I wonder if I'll ever grow out of my excessive love for Oberst's work.

[IWasaCamera]

Ha, true. I wonder if I'll ever grow out of my excessive love for Oberst's work.
If you're anything like me, then you probably won't anytime soon haha. Although Fevers And Mirrors has begun to strike me as a tad juvenile when stacked up against Lifted or I'm Wide Awake.

[myantiyou]

If you're anything like me, then you probably won't anytime soon haha. Although Fevers And Mirrors has begun to strike me as a tad juvenile when stacked up against Lifted or I'm Wide Awake.

I just got the rest of Wide Awake and Lifted. I have yet to make well analyzed comparisons in the near future.

[IWasaCamera]

I just got the rest of Wide Awake and Lifted. I have yet to make well analyzed comparisons in the near future.
I wish Lover I Don't Have To Love wasn't on Lifted.

[FeynmanWannabe]

I wish Lover I Don't Have To Love wasn't on Lifted.
Hahaha Twinz!

[IWasaCamera]

Hahaha Twinz!
I actually don't mind the song. It simply doesn't fit on the record in my opinion.

By the way, if you didn't see it in the Andrew Bird thread, the leak on my computer was the reason why I didn't enjoy Armchair Apocrypha! I was criticizing an album I didn't even have a good quality version of for months (the sound was fuzzy and the volume would randomly fluctuate). :hitself: Finally imported the CD onto iTunes and it turns out it's quite good.

[FeynmanWannabe]

I actually don't mind the song. It simply doesn't fit on the record in my opinion.

By the way, if you didn't see it in the Andrew Bird thread, the leak on my computer was the reason why I didn't enjoy Armchair Apocrypha! I was criticizing an album I didn't even have a good quality version of for months (the sound was fuzzy and the volume would randomly fluctuate). :hitself: Finally imported the CD onto iTunes and it turns out it's quite good.
I did read that but was in a rush and didn't reply.

PS: Told ya! :-p Okay, I just graded exams for about 8 hours straight and then homework for another hour an a half. I need some sleep.

[myantiyou]

I actually don't mind the song. It simply doesn't fit on the record in my opinion.

By the way, if you didn't see it in the Andrew Bird thread, the leak on my computer was the reason why I didn't enjoy Armchair Apocrypha! I was criticizing an album I didn't even have a good quality version of for months (the sound was fuzzy and the volume would randomly fluctuate). :hitself: Finally imported the CD onto iTunes and it turns out it's quite good.

I don't think it fits anywhere.

But it still is a good song, IMO.

[IWasaCamera]

I did read that but was in a rush and didn't reply.

PS: Told ya! :-p Okay, I just graded exams for about 8 hours straight and then homework for another hour an a half. I need some sleep.
I'm just glad I don't dislike it anymore. :-)

[IWasaCamera]

I don't think it fits anywhere.

But it still is a good song, IMO.
Yeah, it's decent but doesn't hold a candle to some of the stronger tracks on Lifted.

[Pat k]

bump

[cereal4life]

My brother told me to check these chaps out. Should I?

[IWasaCamera]

My brother told me to check these chaps out. Should I?
Yes, you should.

[cereal4life]

Yes, you should.

Just previewed Boxer on Amazon; I like it! I'll be adding that album to my "to get" list.

[mattybobviously]

I love this band, such a solid discography, played an acoustic version of Slow Show and an open mic this evening.

[IWasaCamera]

Just previewed Boxer on Amazon; I like it! I'll be adding that album to my "to get" list.
Good man.

[Pat k]

Bump for the best album of 2007

[IWasaCamera]

Still my favorite of the year as well.

[IWasaCamera]

Indeed.

[WakeUpBlondie]

the devendorf's parents are my neighbors.

[IWasaCamera]

If I stumble upon an album as good as Boxer in 2008, I will be a happy boy.

[IWasaCamera]

http://remhq.com/news_story.php?id=662

Just relaying news from the general forum. What a lineup. I may make the drive down to Toronto if a Montreal date isn't announced later on.

[FeynmanWannabe]

http://remhq.com/news_story.php?id=662

Just relaying news from the general forum. What a lineup. I may make the drive down to Toronto if a Montreal date isn't announced later on.
Loooooooove REM.

[DanceJamesDance]

http://remhq.com/news_story.php?id=662

Just relaying news from the general forum. What a lineup. I may make the drive down to Toronto if a Montreal date isn't announced later on.

No Northwest date. As usual.

[IWasaCamera]

All 3 bands are great. Here's hoping Modest Mouse doesn't go too heavy on the We Were Dead material though.

[DanceJamesDance]

All 3 bands are great. Here's hoping Modest Mouse doesn't go too heavy on the We Were Dead material though.

Ya. Most of the stuff I like by them comes off of Good News for People Who Love Bad News.

[IWasaCamera]

Ya. Most of the stuff I like by them comes off of Good News for People Who Love Bad News.
Have you heard The Moon And Antarctica or The Lonesome Crowded West?

Edit: Too late haha

[DanceJamesDance]

You need to hit up Moon and Antartica as well as Lonesome Crowded West.

Moon and Antartica I like too. Never had the pleasure of hearing all of LCW though.

[FeynmanWannabe]

You need to hit up Moon and Antartica as well as Lonesome Crowded West.
I was listening to Lonesome this morning for the first time in a while. Yup, still good. ha

[KidRobot]

I'm hooked to Mistaken for Strangers right now.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Bump because I've spun this too much this week.

[KidRobot]

Boxer is just fantastic.

[bradyreier]

I listen to I Boxer weekly. Love that album so much.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

I didn't give it a thorough listen til as of recent and I'm hooked. I missed too much good music in 07'. So saddening.

[funkel]

I didn't give it a thorough listen til as of recent and I'm hooked. I missed too much good music in 07'. So saddening.
For 9 months of last year you thought The Dear Hunter was the best thing since sliced bread... :lol:

[HangsLikeHeaven]

For 9 months of last year you thought The Dear Hunter was the best thing since sliced bread... :lol:

It didn't come out til the middle of the year and I'm pretty sure I drooled over Casey for a month. Bitch.

[KidRobot]

The Dear Hunter is pretty good.


And I agree I missed so much good music in '07.

[funkel]

It didn't come out til the middle of the year and I'm pretty sure I drooled over Casey for a month. Bitch.
Whatevz.

We both were n00bz last year, until Iron & Wine came along.

[IWasaCamera]

Get The Dear Hunter the fuck out of this thread now.

[KidRobot]

Haha


The National is in fact too good for them.

[funkel]

Get The Dear Hunter the fuck out of this thread now.
Haha, oh Vinh.

At one point last year, I asked Ben what he though of them, and he said they were okay, but the vocals were too "scene-y". At that time, I thought he was just being crazy ol' elitist Ben. But I listened to some TDH yesterday randomly, and I totally know what he's talking about now.

[IWasaCamera]

The Dear Hunter tarnishes what was a wonderful thread.

Glad you guys are coming around to Boxer though.

[funkel]

Fake Empire is a beaut of a track.

I honestly haven't given Boxer a fair enough amount of listens.

[IWasaCamera]

Fake Empire is a ridiculously amazing opener.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Racing Like A Pro and Squalor Victoria are my favourite tracks... as of right now. Will probably change in the future.

[funkel]

Avatar, Mike?

[IWasaCamera]

As long as it isn't Guest Room.

[IWasaCamera]

It's Grace by Jeff Buckley.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Avatar, Mike?

Jeff Buckley

[funkel]

Another artist that I need to check out.

Sam Cooke is ridiculously good.
The Classic Album threads are the best thing to ever happen in the music forum.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

:yawn: Daaamn you.

[IWasaCamera]

I agree, although I already own the albums discussed thus far. Great for getting users into new music regardless.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Vinh, add me on last.fm: intactdevotion

[IWasaCamera]

The first three tracks of Boxer are my favourites.
Mistaken For Strangers is very good but certainly not a favorite. Fake Empire, Start A War, Slow Show, and Gospel for me.
Vinh, add me on last.fm: intactdevotion
Consider it done. Out of curiosity, what's the purpose in having last.fm friends?


By the way, I've got the 3 b-sides (Blank Slate, Santa Clara and a cover of Mansion On The Hill) from the Mistaken For Strangers and Apartment Story singles. If any of you are interested, I'll be glad to up them.

[funkel]

Cover of Mansion On The Hill sold me.

[IWasaCamera]

haha alright. Expect a link in a few minutes.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Mistaken For Strangers is very good but certainly not a favorite. Fake Empire, Start A War, Slow Show, and Gospel for me.

Consider it done. Out of curiosity, what's the purpose in having last.fm friends?


By the way, I've got the 3 b-sides (Blank Slate, Santa Clara and a cover of Mansion On The Hill) from the Mistaken For Strangers and Apartment Story singles. If any of you are interested, I'll be glad to up them.

I like pondering through ones music trying to find something new. Having yourself, Ben, Chris and many more gives me endless amounts of music to check out when in need of some.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

I'll be punxin' that link once it's up.

[IWasaCamera]

I like pondering through ones music trying to find something new. Having yourself, Ben, Chris and many more gives me endless amounts of music to check out when in need of some.
Ah, I see. I tried sifting through my last.fm neighbors' charts but didn't find anything new.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Ah, I see. I tried sifting through my last.fm neighbors' charts but didn't find anything new.

It wouldn't matter because all your music is better than everyone else's, you damn elitist!

[IWasaCamera]

It wouldn't matter because all your music is better than everyone else's, you damn elitist!
Ben > me. The 2007 Music Forum Awards don't lie.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Thanks Vinh, much appreciated.

[IWasaCamera]

You're very welcome.

[KidRobot]

What is the RIYL for The National? I've been trying to figure it out.

[DanceJamesDance]

Racing Like a Pro is my favorite track followed by Fake Empire and Mistaken for Strangers. Man I love this cd.

[Kid B]

whats an RIYL?

[funkel]

Ben, you should really read the last few pages of the"Most Influential Band of All Time" thread.

[funkel]

You would have definitely brought the lawlz.

[DanceJamesDance]

Haha

"Who the fu*k are the Beatles?"

[3mpire]

I used to be, carried in the arms of cheerleaders...

Best song evar.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Those b-sides you tossed my way are awesome, Vinh. Thanks again!

[IWasaCamera]

What is the RIYL for The National? I've been trying to figure it out.
Tindersticks, Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, Joy Division, Interpol, etc.
Those b-sides you tossed my way are awesome, Vinh. Thanks again!
Glad you enjoy them.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Raise Our Heavenly Glasses To The Heavens!

[IWasaCamera]

Squalor Victoria! Squalor Victoria!


I'm up way too early.

[funkel]

I was gonna ask you why you got up this early.

in a fake empire...

[IWasaCamera]

Running late on an assignment I need school software to finish. Only time lab is available is 9.

Tiptoe through our shiny city
With out diamond slippers on
Do our gay ballet on ice
With bluebirds on our shoulders
We're half-awake in a fake empire...

[funkel]

It's 7:00 AM here.

You get mistaken for strangers by your own friends
when you pass them at night under the silvery, silvery citibank lights
arm in arm in arm and eyes and eyes glazing under
oh you wouldn’t want an angel watching over
surprise, surprise they wouldn’t wannna watch
another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults

[namembal]

Me needs to give these guys a second chance.

[IWasaCamera]

One hour later here but the commute is 40 minutes long in harsh Canadian weather. :-(

Be still for a second while I try and try to pin your flowers on
Can you carry my drink?
I have everything else
I can tie my tie all my myself
I'm getting tied...I'm forgetting why

[3mpire]

Haven't listen to it for a while. I've been in an Alligator mood lately.

[DanceJamesDance]

Coincidently I listened to Boxer today as well.

I listen to it everyday haha. On the drove home from work this morning I did. Time for bed, I think I'll fall asleep to 'em too.

[Pat k]

And all the wine is all for me

[IWasaCamera]

Listened on the way home. So good.

[Kid B]

they strike me as a softer arcade fire.
with a deeper voice.

theyre good. i like them.

[funkel]

How do they? As good, odd,, etc?

[IWasaCamera]

they strike me as a softer arcade fire.
I don't see this. Arcade Fire is cathartic while The National lulls listeners into a hazy stupor of sorts. The only similarity I could discern is the use of orchestral elements.

Both great bands regardless.

[funkel]

Fake Empire was arguably the best song released last year.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Flightless Bird, for me.

[Kid B]

I don't see this. Arcade Fire is cathartic while The National lulls listeners into a hazy stupor of sorts. The only similarity I could discern is the use of orchestral elements.

Both great bands regardless.

hehe i dont know what it is, they just remind me of each other.

[IWasaCamera]

Flightless Bird, American Mouth was far and away the best song of 2007.

While Boxer is phenomenal, it isn't an album with a few clear standouts. It's just ridiculously good throughout.

[funkel]

That wasn't even my favorite track on The Shepherd's Dog, so...
Well last time I listened/checked, it wasn't my favorite.

[IWasaCamera]

I just adore album closers when done right. Beam has written incredible ones on every full-length thus far.

[funkel]

It's between Resurrection Fern and Flightless Bird, American Mouth as to the best song on it.
Very hard decision.

Boxer didn't make my top 10 in 2007, but now that I'm finally really listening to it, it might, ha.

[IWasaCamera]

Along with Carousel, the two you named are my favorites on the album.

Yeah, seems people are coming around to it now.

[funkel]

Too much good music came out last year for me to swallow it all in the couple months I started listening to it.

[mattybobviously]

I... didn't like Shepherd's Dog.

[IWasaCamera]

Too much good music came out last year for me to swallow it all in the couple months I started listening to it.
2007 was really, really great.
I... didn't like Shepherd's Dog.
That's unfortunate.

[funkel]

I... didn't like Shepherd's Dog.
GTFO!

Your Obama Milk Hotel avatar can't even save you now.

Just joshin' ya, but that's sad, dude.

[allhourcymbals]

I never really sat down and listened to The National until a few weeks ago, and they've really started to grow on me. Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers is currently my favorite/most played album.

[Pat k]

I... didn't like Shepherd's Dog.

I agree with you. Worst Iron and Wine material by far, what a tank.

[Pat k]

Boxer, on the other hand, still the best from 2007.

[s.t.e.v.e.n.]

I love Boxer

I don't like to call things favorites, but I love Mistaken for Strangers

[micahistheballs]

I didn't like them much at first, but I've grown to love them now. I just need to get some albums by them now.

[Colorblind!]

I picked up Boxer on the weekend and I really dig it.

[Colorblind!]

You're a liar and a charlaten.

I can't get into Iron&Wine whatsoever.

[IWasaCamera]

I agree with you. Worst Iron and Wine material by far, what a tank.
Worst Iron & Wine yes, but not even remotely a tank.
Boxer, on the other hand, still the best from 2007.
Easily.
I can't get into Iron&Wine whatsoever.
Not into singer-songwriters?

[IWasaCamera]

Bump for news that A Skin, A Night is due out on DVD May 20. It's a film shot by Vincent Moon (of Blogotheque Take-Away shows fame) documenting the creation of last year's Boxer. Included with the DVD will be The Virginia EP which contains 12 b-sides/demos. Here's a glimpse of Moon's work with the band:

KCuHnUiD_yI
sxxeIhGw2Ys

:-)

[fightfightfight]

Slow Show and Guest Room are wonderful.

[positive hearts]

They're pretty cool I dig all of Boxer. Seeing them sometime in June I think with R.E.M. and Modest Mouse. What a show.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Squalor Victoria still remains as my favourite song off of Boxer. So good.

[Pat k]

Bump for news that A Skin, A Night is due out on DVD May 20. It's a film shot by Vincent Moon (of Blogotheque Take-Away shows fame) documenting the creation of last year's Boxer. Included with the DVD will be The Virginia EP which contains 12 b-sides/demos. Here's a glimpse of Moon's work with the band:

:-)

looks great!

[IWasaCamera]

Slow Show and Guest Room are wonderful.
The entire album is.
They're pretty cool I dig all of Boxer. Seeing them sometime in June I think with R.E.M. and Modest Mouse. What a show.
Should be an amazing tour. Here's hoping Modest Mouse plays some older stuff.
Squalor Victoria still remains as my favourite song off of Boxer. So good.
Great song. Going from the vague thoughts of raising glasses to the heavens and going down among the saints to abruptly ending with "this isn't working you middlebrow fuck up" is such a satisfying dynamic.
looks great!
It does!

[Kid B]

Bump for news that A Skin, A Night is due out on DVD May 20. It's a film shot by Vincent Moon (of Blogotheque Take-Away shows fame) documenting the creation of last year's Boxer. Included with the DVD will be The Virginia EP which contains 12 b-sides/demos. Here's a glimpse of Moon's work with the band:

KCuHnUiD_yI
sxxeIhGw2Ys

:-)


yaaaaay!

[IWasaCamera]

yaaaaay!
Yay indeed! I normally wouldn't care for a band DVD but judging from the way the take-away shows were filmed, this should be great.

[Pat k]

head over to the national message boards at americanmary.com to pick up some b-sides and live sets!

[funkel]

"Fake Empire" is still the best song of 2007/

[IWasaCamera]

head over to the national message boards at americanmary.com to pick up some b-sides and live sets!
They aren't very good. :-(
"Fake Empire" is still the best song of 2007/
It's certainly up there.

[WakeUpBlondie]

the devendorf's parent's are my neighbors, its so weird they're famous now. I bought boxer just because my mom told me their sons are in a band called the national, but i actually like the album. I got alligator too

[Kid B]

i only have boxer, but is their earlier stuff worth downloading?

[PoisonInMyVeins]

i can't find a song i dislike by this band. i love them.

[WakeUpBlondie]

i only have boxer, but is their earlier stuff worth downloading?

Definitely. Don't get me wrong, boxer was a great album, but it's harder to get into than alligator or sad songs for dirty lovers. Alligator is a little more fast paced; check out "secret meeting", "lit up". "looking for astronauts". and "Baby, we'll be fine"

Sad songs for dirty lovers was alright, but "available" is my favorite national song. The singer screams in it, but give it a listen

[Kid B]

Definitely. Don't get me wrong, boxer was a great album, but it's harder to get into than alligator or sad songs for dirty lovers. Alligator is a little more fast paced; check out "secret meeting", "lit up". "looking for astronauts". and "Baby, we'll be fine"

Sad songs for dirty lovers was alright, but "available" is my favorite national song. The singer screams in it, but give it a listen

this, i will do.

[Pat k]

"Fake Empire" is still the best song of 2007/

I like that song, but I prefer "Apartment Story"!

[White Noise]

i only have boxer, but is their earlier stuff worth downloading?

Alligator is great, I'd say go with that first. Some great tracks up there.

[IWasaCamera]

the devendorf's parent's are my neighbors, its so weird they're famous now. I bought boxer just because my mom told me their sons are in a band called the national, but i actually like the album. I got alligator too
Sweet.
i only have boxer, but is their earlier stuff worth downloading?
I don't enjoy their previous material nearly as much but it's certainly worth a listen. As stated earlier, Alligator would be the release to check out.

[3mpire]

Listening to Boxer for the first time in months...

Holy crap. It's just as good as I remembered it.

[AlternateToLife]

I love this band.

[mattybobviously]

Spent last night listening to Boxer with my girlfriend while lying in the grass in my backyard, woohoo.

I'm working on trying to chase down some of the hard to find National stuff on vinyl, I already have Cherry Tree (completely underrated release, some of my favorites songs on there), Alligator, and Boxer on vinyl.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Lucky bastard...

[3mpire]

Sweet brag.

[IWasaCamera]

The Cherry Tree EP is better than Alligator.

[KyleMcr]

Saw these guys play at Coachella at sunset. They delivered an absolutely stellar performance; one of the weekend's highlights.

setlist was:
Start A War
Mistaken For Strangers
Secret Meeting
Brainy
Baby, We'll Be Fine
Slow Show
Squalor Victoria
Abel
Ada
Apartment Story
Fake Empire
Mr. November

[IWasaCamera]

Nice. They've always been spot on when I've seen them in concert.

[Troggy]

Listening to Boxer for the first time in months...

Holy crap. It's just as good as I remembered it.

yeah same here. mmmm.

[chipdip18]

I would absolutely love to see them live. I still need to buy Boxer, though i've heard it all the way through several times.

[Kid B]

Bump. Green Gloves has a beatiful intro/is a beautiful song. This album has grown on me veeeery heavily over the last month. I listen to it while I sleep.

[IWasaCamera]

Mistaken For Strangers, Apartment Story, and Guest Room are a tad too upbeat for my sleeping music.

[3mpire]

Mr. November

That would have been amazing. The song's probably my favourite by the band.

[mattybobviously]

The Cherry Tree EP is better than Alligator.
Disagree.

I love Wasp's Nest, All the Wine, About Today, and especially I Don't Mind, but I have better live versions of Murder Me Rachel and the other tracks don't overwhelm me. Alligator I love from start to finish. Still though, the Cherry Tree EP is one of my all-time favorites.

[IWasaCamera]

Disagree.

I love Wasp's Nest, All the Wine, About Today, and especially I Don't Mind, but I have better live versions of Murder Me Rachel and the other tracks don't overwhelm me. Alligator I love from start to finish. Still though, the Cherry Tree EP is one of my all-time favorites.
The National did not fulfill its potential until Boxer. The first two full-lengths sound like an entirely different band and Alligator is passable if not forgettable. I really, really don't understand the love for it. If one is praising how adeptly they incorporated a gloomy aesthetic to indie rock, might as well give Boxer the nod. It's Alligator done in a more timeless manner.
That would have been amazing. The song's probably my favourite by the band.
Really?

[mattybobviously]

The National did not fulfill its potential until Boxer. The first two full-lengths sound like an entirely different band and Alligator is passable if not forgettable. I really, really don't understand the love for it. If one is praising how adeptly they incorporated a gloomy aesthetic to indie rock, might as well give Boxer the nod. It's Alligator done in a more timeless manner.

I believe that Boxer is a near-perfection of the sound they had strived to achieve, but it doesn't prevent me from loving Alligator, I think some of Berniger's best lines are on that album, and I enjoy every track on the record. I always recommend Boxer when I tell friends to check out The National, but if they love it, I immediately point them towards Cherry Tree and Alligator.

[White Noise]

I believe that Boxer is a near-perfection of the sound they had strived to achieve, but it doesn't prevent me from loving Alligator, I think some of Berniger's best lines are on that album, and I enjoy every track on the record. I always recommend Boxer when I tell friends to check out The National, but if they love it, I immediately point them towards Cherry Tree and Alligator.

I feel the same way. I love going back to Alligator and every song is still good to me.

[3mpire]

I don't understand how you can't like Alligator if you love Boxer. :shrug:

[HangsLikeHeaven]

I haven't checked out Alligator yet...

[Kid B]

Same here.

[hockeyguitar99]

same

but boxer is sick

[Kid B]

:nod:

[FeynmanWannabe]

Since people are discussing Alligator, I have to say that "Karen" is one of my very favorite songs of theirs.

[IWasaCamera]

I believe that Boxer is a near-perfection of the sound they had strived to achieve, but it doesn't prevent me from loving Alligator, I think some of Berniger's best lines are on that album, and I enjoy every track on the record. I always recommend Boxer when I tell friends to check out The National, but if they love it, I immediately point them towards Cherry Tree and Alligator.
I can't sit through the album. Sounds amateurish in comparison and I'd really rather listen to them only once they had made the jump from decent to great.
I don't understand how you can't like Alligator if you love Boxer. :shrug:
Not particularly similar.

[mattybobviously]

Since people are discussing Alligator, I have to say that "Karen" is one of my very favorite songs of theirs.

Agreed. I love the choruses on that album (super long post ahead):

"And so and now I'm sorry I missed you
I had a secret meeting in the basement of my brain
It went the dull and wicked ordinary way

Well, whatever you do, listen, you better wait for me
No, I wouldn't go out alone into America

Break my arms around the one I love
And be forgiven by the time my lover comes

My mind's not right

I won't fuck us over, I'm Mr. November"

And lyrically, "The Geese of Beverly Road" is one of my favorite songs of all-time, especially the second half of the song:

We'll take ourselves out in the street
And wear the blood in our cheeks
Like red roses
We'll go from car to sleeping car
And whisper in their sleeping ears
We were here, we were here
We'll set off the geese of Beverly Road

Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome, totally genius
Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome

We won't be disappointed
We'll fight like girls for our place at the table
Our room on the floor
We'll set off the geese of Beverly Road

Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome, totally genius
Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome

We're the heirs to the glimmering world

We're drunk and sparking, our legs are open
Our hands are covered in cake
But I swear we didn't have any
I swear we didn't have any

Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome, totally genius
Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome

We're the heirs to the glimmering world

Oh, come, come be my waitress and serve me tonight
Serve me the sky tonight
Oh, come, come be my waitress and serve me tonight
serve me the sky with a big slice of lemon

We're the heirs to the glimmering world

Oh, come, come be my waitress and serve me tonight
Serve me the sky tonight
Oh, come, come be my waitress and serve me tonight
serve me the sky with a big slice of lemon

[CatDiesel]

I probably like Alligator the best. Great band.

[micahistheballs]

Since people are discussing Alligator, I have to say that "Karen" is one of my very favorite songs of theirs.
Some of those lyrics are so bizarre.

[IWasaCamera]

Those who have yet to hear The Virginia EP, get on it. A few really good tunes.

[Kid B]

I just gave Alligator my first listen and his voice is a lot worse on that album. I probably just need to get used to it, but I know for sure that Boxer will remain my favorite from them. I can see why people would pick Alligator though.

[IWasaCamera]

I will never budge from my position that Boxer shits all over their previous material.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

haha, boxer is still up top for me.

[IWasaCamera]

We Canadians know where it's at.

[Kid B]

The only song I'm not crazy about on Boxer is Slow Show. Very boring imo.

[IWasaCamera]

Slow Show is incredible. Worst song is Guest Room.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Squalor Victoria is still my favourite song from Boxer. Next is Start A War, Slow Show, and Racing Like A Pro.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

We Canadians know where it's at.

:nod:

[HangsLikeHeaven]

The National's drumming is fantastic.

[IWasaCamera]

Best rock drumming I've ever heard.

I just got friended by Kid B haha.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

it's 'cause you listen to underground shoe gaze musik.

[Kid B]

Fake Empire > Brainy > Squalor > Start A War > Mistaken For Strangers > The Rest

Best rock drumming I've ever heard.

I just got friended by Kid B haha.
:bluesad:

[IWasaCamera]

Be on the lookout for Nick Drake, hot up and coming shoegazer!

[funkel]

Fake Empire was the best song of last year, duh.

I've said that like 5 times in this thread.

Also, I turned my sister into a fan of these guys. She can't stop listening to Boxer.

[IWasaCamera]

Good man.

[Lacrimosa]

Mistaken For Strangers is their best pop song yet but I love the whole album. Brainy and Slow Show are fantastic as is the intro to Squalor Victoria and Green Gloves.

[IWasaCamera]

Not sure what's meant by pop song here but Mistaken For Strangers isn't as strong as some make it out to be. Very good song, but surpassed by about half of Boxer's other tracks.

[Lacrimosa]

It's the most accessible song on the album, the catchiest. I didn't say it was their best because it's not.

[IWasaCamera]

Eh, an argument could be made for Apartment Story being just as if not more accessible.

[Praetor]

Boxer is pure win, I'll probably get it on LP/CD for my b-day.

[Kid B]

I want it on Vinyl.

[FeynmanWannabe]

M4qQUXf7cw0&

What do we have here?

[IWasaCamera]

Eh, I tend to stay away from stuff like this.