Alo

Try 'secret meeting' or 'mistaken for strangers', I guess those are the easiest to get into. I wouldn't say they take a few listens to grow on you... It's something in his voice, something pained and yet so incredibly passive, if that makes sense? Instrumentally they play around alot and break common rules of timing and they break through standard chord patterns. I guess that's what sets them apart from other bands for me. Plus, some very original lyrics, which is always nice...

Have now started on the new album. I'm liking it so far, though sorrow was a little too naggy for my liking.

__________________

I rocked my shoelaces untied

loveissucide

Very impressed with the new album, the equal of Boxer if not quite Alligator.

__________________
www.last.fm/user/p-mccusker
http://www.mixcloud.com/pmccusker
www.valjester.wordpress.com

IndiElectronica

i think alligator is their best, but the new album is not ****e and have tix to see them at brixton acad later this year so all is good!

__________________
Check out my Radio Station at:
http://www.indielectronicaonline.com

ProggyMan

Fox Theater tomorrow night at 8.

katrine

i dont know a lot about the national, but i'm hoping that they are great live! i'm going to see them play in one month and a few days at Roskilde.

__________________

Vinh

Disappointed with High Violet as Boxer was one of my favorites of the past decade and they seemed to forsake that insular vibe to aim higher here. Terrible Love for instance seems like a "big" song that's ashamed to admit its true nature, buried beneath the fuzz. Then there are tracks that simply aren't memorable to me such as Anyone's Ghost or Lemonworld. Berninger's lyrics also aren't quite as good this time around. However, Bloodbuzz, Sorrow, and England are stellar tracks.

__________________
Editor/Reviewer for Sun On The Sand

frontwards

alligator is their best, though i love Lucky You, American Mary, Start a War, etc.

High Violet disappointed me a little bit though admittedly i think i was expecting too much of them.

TheCunningStunt

I've never been able to get into this band. something just isn't clicking there. I may have to revisit them soon.

sweet_nothing

I thought the new album was pretty good but falls short in comparison to their last two. The live show they did on youtube was great though.

__________________

Engine

I think the new album tops Boxer but probably not Alligator.

The new album has addictive lyrics as usual - possibly more striking than ever before. I've left Boxer relatively untouched but I think High Violet has a lot more listens there for me.

__________________

Like an arrow,
I was only passing through.