The National

[Big Vern]

Well done you attention-seeking waste of skin. Have a fucking custard cream.

[Saul Goodman]

Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee

[formed a band]

Really rather dull

[All Mod Cons.]

What's attention seeking by that comment.. is it because he used an offensive word in shit instead of tripe?

I just don't get the clamber for this band, tripe falls well short to how i feel after giving this video 10 seconds of my time.

[formed a band]

What was that ridiculous 6 hour song thing of late ?

[FloorFiller]

new album has leaked if anybody's interested. downloading it now!

[let's 'ave it!!!]

new album has leaked if anybody's interested. downloading it now!

[FloorFiller]

gotta say i'm really enjoying the new album. i'm not a massive National fan and haven't listened to their previous albums (or this one) enough to compare this with them but on first few listens it's a good'un!

[Vanderlyle]

What's attention seeking by that comment.. is it because he used an offensive word in shit instead of tripe?

I just don't get the clamber for this band, tripe falls well short to how i feel after giving this video 10 seconds of my time.

[Saul Goodman]

What was that ridiculous 6 hour song thing of late ?

[cartonio]

They're back on the rumours page now

[When Jokers Attack]

It's leaked but I'm not giving in. Got it on preorder.

[fightoffyour]

it's so goood.

[ThomThomDrum]

mmmm...i'd love to know what's happening with them: sr first, then removed, then back again as sr. can neil or someone else say somethin? thank you

anyway, the new album is awesome

[Chris E]

Trouble Will Find Me is great.

[Dog Burger]

Trouble Will Find Me is great.

[Zoo Music Girl]

Still waiting for my pre-order! But all these good reviews are getting me excited for it.

[russycarps]

I've not heard it yet, so where does it rank out of their albums then. on early listens?

Up there with boxer/alligator?

[Dog Burger]

I'd hesitate to say it's better than Boxer or Alligator, it's a very different kind of album, I'd say. It's a very sad record - almost every song reads like a personal letter to a loved one or to Matt Berninger himself. The lyrics are incredibly raw, confessional and emotive. The production is quite big and the pace is slow. Even Graceless, probably the closest to a Mr November or Abel moment, has been slowed down and smoothed out since the version they recorded for 6 Music last month. It's long, at 55 minutes, and I'd say it's a work of consistent high quality and elegance. I definitely prefer it to High Violet, but it's too early to say on whether I prefer it to Boxer or Alligator - I still can't decide which of those I like best.

[Saul Goodman]

Good post Dog Burger.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the last album. I'd a real feeling of disconnect with High Violet after a while. Alligator especially you can feel the genuine emotion, toil and life experience in the lyrics of the songs. They are a struggling band trying to make it with lots of things to say about life, love etc and that comes across in the music.

High Violet felt more contrived, worked on and less sincere. It's still a great record but without the rawness and shot term inaccessibility of the earlier stuff. I'm not sure if that makes any sense as I know others loved High Violet but for me at least this feels like a real return to why I fell in love with this band. I'll be wrapped up in this album for hours on end.

Edited May 10, 2013 by Saul Goodman

[Zoo Music Girl]

This sounds really promising. I do like High Violet but Alligator and Boxer remain my favourites so far. Alligator probably just edges it for Abel.

[Wooly Mammoth]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/may/10/the-national-death-fun-ways

Figured if everyone keeps posting on this thread, keep it at the top.. eventually Emily will book them (as obviously she's addicted to these forums )

[russycarps]

I agree with peoples assessments of high violet. I loved it when it came out and played it to death. But now if I want to listen to the national I go to boxer or alligator, and rarely play high violet. Not that I now think it's a bad album, far from it, but the other 2 give me a much better national fix.

sad songs for dirty lovers I find almost unlistenable. I really dislike it.

[MEGABOWL]

Trouble Will Find Me is great.

[MEGABOWL]

I disagree with everyone and think High Violet is their best. I want this to top it though as their trajectory will look great re. consistently improving.