If you forget the fact that The National is one of my very favorite bands, and also forget the fact that The National seem to only release amazing music, I still knew I was going to like this song. You know why? The title. “Exile Vilify”, I don’t know, there was something about those two words together that told me I was not to worry… that The National had done it again. Of course, I was right. This song was released with the videogame Portal 2 as part of the soundtrack. That’s right, they released a new song on a videogame soundtrack and it’s still amazing. Featuring beautiful piano lines and a typical Berninger vocal, it’s everything I want in a tune from The National. Enjoy: continue reading...
Since High Violet was released last year “Conversation 16″ has consistently been one of my favorite songs from the album. My other favorites seemed to rotate on a monthly basis, but there was something about this song that always kept me intrigued and attentive. Based on some of the other songs on the album I’m surprised it was chosen for a music video. I can’t say that I’m dissapointed though… this is an interesting video and probably as wacky as The National will ever get. Enjoy, continue reading...
2010 was a great year for music. In my annual album countdown I’ll once again be highlighting the albums that I enjoyed the most throughout the course of the last year. These aren’t necessarily the 15 “best” albums, just the ones that I liked the most. I hope you enjoy it and perhaps I’ll be able to convince you to listen to some great music that you may have missed. continue reading...
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing The National perform on 2 occasions and both times this song has been the most memorable song of the evening. Not to take anything away from the other incredible songs they have in their repertoire, but this song is performed in such a way that you can’t help but get swept up in the energy that is created onstage. It’s particularly helpful if you’re already familiar with the subdued, “mellow” recorded version from the Boxer album. In a live setting the band steadily increases the intensity and vocalist Matt Berninger stretches the limits of his baritone vocals, all of it culminating in frantic finish that actually gives me chills when I watch it. Lame or not, I love this performance: continue reading...
If you live anywhere in North Eastern North America then you should highly consider heading to Montreal for the weekend (Jul. 31st - Aug. 1st) to catch 2010’s version of the Osheaga Music Festival. There aren’t a lot of options in regards to large scale music festivals in the North East and after 5 years Osheaga really seems to be hitting its stride. The lineup is stacked with talent and is incredibly varied. My top 5 recommendations for must-see bands include: continue reading...
Osheaga 2010
Yet another festival that takes advantage of Montreal’s short but fun-filled summer is the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival. A two-day mélange of indie/hipster goodness and enough mainstream acts to attract the masses, the festival boasts the relaxed atmosphere you might expect. continue reading...
After subtly cracking the mainstream with their last album Boxer, The National have been hard at work on one of the most anticipated albums scheduled to arrive in 2010. The new album is called High Violet and a few tracks have been heard in live performances for a while, including one amazing performance on a recent Jimmy Fallon show of a tune called “Terrible Love” that is sure to be an album highlight. The first studio version of a track to hit the web is a tune called “Bloodbuzz, Ohio”. This track immediately recalls what I like about the band’s music, interesting and creative drumming, Matt Berninger’s baritone vocals and memorable lyrics and the slow build to a great finish. I am damn excited for this album, check out the first official track: continue reading...
Excellent news. Read more below from 4AD.com and check out a classic National tune:
The National have confirmed their new album will be released worldwide in May 2010. The band is currently in the studio mixing this much-anticipated follow up to 2007’s highly acclaimed Boxer. As yet untitled, full details of the new release are soon to follow. continue reading...
The National have been getting tons of praise for their 2007 release Boxer and I even put it at number 5 in my top 20 albums of the year. Besides the fact that they make some of the best music out there they also made on of the cooler videos of the year for “Apartment Story”. It starts off with the band playing live to an uninterested audience and as the song builds so does the interest in the music. Kind of like the slow realization that The National is one of the better bands creating music these days. Check it out and become a fan:
