So the new National album (due May 11th on 4AD Records) has had quite the buzz around it now for several months. Numerous tracks have been strategically leaked and the band played on Jimmy Fallon a few nights back, further building the anticipation for the album. Instead of waiting till the official release date, the full length album was streamed this weekend in concert with a New York Times feature article on the band. (Visit the NY Times to read the full length article)
Like the previous two National releases (Alligator and Boxer) this album has several outstanding tracks that will only continue to grow on you over time. The album keeps to the group's style with very dark, sorrowful lyrics amidst deep, layered instrumental rock. The rich drumming on this release really stands out from the previous albums, as the group is more apt to using lead singer Matt Berninger's classic baritone to augment the music this time around. Stand out tracks include Sorrow, Anyone's Ghost, Runaway and Afraid of Everyone, the latter featuring Sufjan Stevens on background vocals.
No doubt this album is going to find itself on numerous top ten lists at the end of the year. Highly highly recommended.
1 comment:
WEB SHERIFF
Who You Gonna Call
Tel 44-(0)208-323 8013
Fax 44-(0)208 323 8080
websheriff@websheriff.com
www.websheriff.com
Hi FaB,
On behalf of Beggars, 4AD and The National many thanks for plugging "High Violet" on your site (street date 11th May) ... .. thanks, also, on behalf of the label, management and artist for not posting any pirate links to unreleased (studio) material and, if you / your readers want good quality, non-pirated, preview tracks, then a full length, high quality version of "BloodBuzz Ohio" is available for fans and bloggers to link to / post / host etc from www.highviolet.com/thenational_bloodbuzzohio.mp3 and “Afraid of Everyone” is now also available from www.soundcloud.com/ninasles/afraid-of-everyone-the-national ... .. for further details of the new album, on-line promotions, videos and 2010 shows, check-out the official site, as well as the band's MySpace at www.myspace.com/thenational and YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/beggars ... .. and keep an eye on these official sources for details of further news, preview material and on-line promotions.
Thanks again for your plug.
Regards,
WEB SHERIFF
Post a Comment