Ahh I see, I misunderstood :)

But I still think the question is rather intriguing.
What's 'better' about the national than 'all those other' bands.
I prefer the national to all similar bands, but not because of the lyrics, obviously.
There's something in the music, probably the melody and the sound of his voice, touching me. It's as if they're making more music than the other bands, which sometimes sound more like a 'product'. Not sure if anyone understands.

No one does. Some people just pretend they do. Even Bob's said he has no idea.

Haha, yeah he did say that.
Well some songs are pretty obvious. Usually tributes. Like Blind Willy McTell or Ballad of Ira Hayes. Both beautiful songs by the way. But that was not the point here :)

Who Killed Davey Moore is about a boxer who died in the ring.

You'd think that, but its closer to a polemic on the transition from an agricultural economy to a capitalist one in Bangladesh.

The National is my all time favourite band. Matt Berninger is a lyrical genius of unrivalled proportions and has a voice that sets The National apart from every other band I know of. Then you get in to the Dessner twins and their amazing abilities to play things that have strings. I'm invested in this band like a loser in Enron.

Do you like Joy Division?

I don't hate Joy Division, but I don't find them that interesting. Although Joy Division probably would go with The National like fudge on a sunday.

And being in New York, they are around all the day so I guess we are lucky/
If you miss a show, there's another one a few weeks later...

I think it would serve you well to develop a deeper appreciation of Joy Division.

I'm seriously jealous of that. Living in Nova Scotia we don't get much by way of quality music acts... well I shouldn't say "quality" I just mean the type of music I'm in to.

I'll give them a closer listen. After all The National can be a band that demands a closer listen sometimes too.

Just got my tickets for The National and Arcade Fire in Chicago!!!!! :)))))))) The National are the best band in America and the second best band in the world (Radiohead) IMHO...what a show this will be!!!!!!

Sunn OOOOOooooooooo

Found this today. New single from them.

My Tastemaking of the National
 

In my opinion, these are the best tracks taken from their few years on the music scene. I have used this exact list to send to venue owners and personal contacts wanting to hear more about them.

Amazing music, and even better lyrics. To date, best alt/indie band ive listened to. Simply copy & paste each line into youtube to enjoy the song. More than once, i have had every one of these tracks open in youtube on 15 different browser tabs. So ya, you can say I like their music.

The National- Apartment Story:

The National- Bloodbuzz Ohio:

The National- Sorrow:

The National- Cardinal Song:

The National- All The Wine:

The National- Thirsty:

The National- Fake Empire:

The National- Slow Show:

The National- Runaway:

The National- Santa Clara:

The National- Vanderlye Crybaby Geeks:

The National- Mistake For Strangers:

The National- Afraid of Everyone:

The National- Start a War:

The National- Green Gloves:

The National- About Today:

You and I have similar taste in The National songs. :wave:

Er, just download the albums, dude.

mr.november brilliant.

I discovered the band since two of three years.
I'm not, by far, completely fluent in English, but the deeply addictive Matt Berninger voice and the beauty of their compositions are a true happiness for my ears.

The National's seventh album, Sleep Well Beast, is due to be released on 8th September.

I'm exited for this record. Here are the first to singles