Currently Listening To..The National Alligator
My introduction to the great band The National. A friend recently mentioned that he knew folks that didn’t like The National because they thought Matt Berninger’s vocals sounded too much like the guy from Crash Test Dummies. I can’t say that I quite get that comparison, and will admit that I did own some Crash Test Dummies at some point. What struck me the most when first listening to this record was Berninger’s lyrics. There’s an honesty in his poetic portrait of ordinary life that easy to relate to, and subsequently, is extremely comforting. The Devendorf and Dessner brothers (yes, 2 sets of brothers) do a fine job of complimenting the lyrical ambiance musically. A fine introduction to what shall be remembered as one of the more talented bands of this era.
The band followed up with the critically acclaimed Boxer and is currently one driving force behind the most recently released Red Hot compilation Dark Was The Night.
There are some great moments on this record and these are just a few.
MP3> The National ‘Secret Meeting’
MP3> The National ‘Daughters of The Soho Riots’
MP3> The National ‘Mr November’
such a good band, such a good album
I agree about the lyrics
I had to put back Boxer and Alligator at the record store yesterday, I didn’t have enough to buy them with my other sruff, but I’m going back. I have them on cd already, though. very excited for a new album.
fantastic album. One of my top 5 in the last 5 years. If you don’t know this album, now you should.
Also, check out “about today” as well. Incredible song.