The National

[Zoo Music Girl]

I've always thought they're not big enough, too, but having seen the crowd at Ally Pally for two nights, and some of the recent media appearances they've been doing, I'm not100 per cent sure anymore. I guess other slots likely would be 2nd or third from the top on the Other or Pyramid or headlining the John Peel. I think, unless you got there about two hours before, the Park would be a total nightmare. Having been at the Radiohead and Rodriguez gigs, it's a shit place to see a big band, unless you get in down the front early.

Yeah, you might be right about The Park actually. It depends who they clashed with of course but Radiohead was horrendous. Pulp was okay but I got there much earlier so it may have been shit at the back.

They definitely seem to be getting a bit more high-profile, particularly with The Hunger Games soundtrack and stuff. People seem to actually have heard of them when I mention them now.

[Dog Burger]

Yeah, you might be right about The Park actually. It depends who they clashed with of course but Radiohead was horrendous. Pulp was okay but I got there much earlier so it may have been shit at the back.

They definitely seem to be getting a bit more high-profile, particularly with The Hunger Games soundtrack and stuff. People seem to actually have heard of them when I mention them now.

Yeah, it's the geogrpahy of the stage i think, with the front being in a dip, which is great, but the brow of the hill meaning half the crowd get a shit view and shit sound. Radiohead and Rodriguez were total gash. Could barely hear them and certainly couldn't see them. Pulp was better, but still far from ideal. Given the choice between seeing them headline the main stage in Denmark, or Belgium or somewhere or standing on that hill, hearing noise from the Stonebridge Bar and Rabbit Hole as loud as The National, invisible down in the dip on the Park Stage, it would be a fairly easy choice.

[Zoo Music Girl]

Yeah, it's the geogrpahy of the stage i think, with the front being in a dip, which is great, but the brow of the hill meaning half the crowd get a shit view and shit sound. Radiohead and Rodriguez were total gash. Could barely hear them and certainly couldn't see them. Pulp was better, but still far from ideal. Given the choice between seeing them headline the main stage in Denmark, or Belgium or somewhere or standing on that hill, hearing noise from the Stonebridge Bar and Rabbit Hole as loud as The National, invisible down in the dip on the Park Stage, it would be a fairly easy choice.

Yeah, when you put it that way I'm kind of jealous. Can't really afford both though and can't quite let the Glasto dream die yet...

Reckon they might do a few gigs around that time too?

Also on the subject of The National, I have asked for the first two albums and those two EPs for Christmas so I am hoping to increase my fan status to superfan shortly

[Dog Burger]

Yeah, when you put it that way I'm kind of jealous. Can't really afford both though and can't quite let the Glasto dream die yet...

Reckon they might do a few gigs around that time too?

Also on the subject of The National, I have asked for the first two albums and those two EPs for Christmas so I am hoping to increase my fan status to superfan shortly

I feel exactly the same. Can't quite let Glastonbury go after 13 in a row. It's what I do! But, maybe it's time, you know? My crowd has dwindled from 15 to probably about three, my chances of a ticket are slim, and like you I probably can't afford both. I really don't know, but I don't think I need to decide until well into the new year.

Yeah, I think they will definitely do a few European festivals. They're going to keep touring this album for most of next year, although in smaller chunks due to all having wives and children now. I'd be fairly surprised to see them do a 12-date tour of England's major cities for example, but would expect one or two high-profile festival dates and maybe a couple of large shows in London/Manchester etc. However, if you want to see them headline, it might have to be Europe, unless someone such as Latitude/Greenman/Bestival can bag them.

I don't really like the first album much, Sad Songs is good and the eps have their moments. As I said before, the Black, and White sessions are worth downloading too

[Zoo Music Girl]

I feel exactly the same. Can't quite let Glastonbury go after 13 in a row. It's what I do! But, maybe it's time, you know? My crowd has dwindled from 15 to probably about three, my chances of a ticket are slim, and like you I probably can't afford both. I really don't know, but I don't think I need to decide until well into the new year.

Yeah, I think they will definitely do a few European festivals. They're going to keep touring this album for most of next year, although in smaller chunks due to all having wives and children now. I'd be fairly surprised to see them do a 12-date tour of England's major cities for example, but would expect one or two high-profile festival dates and maybe a couple of large shows in London/Manchester etc. However, if you want to see them headline, it might have to be Europe, unless someone such as Latitude/Greenman/Bestival can bag them.

I don't really like the first album much, Sad Songs is good and the eps have their moments. As I said before, the Black, and White sessions are worth downloading too

Where can I get those from then? I'm pretty ignorant about downloading stuff!

[Dog Burger]

Where can I get those from then? I'm pretty ignorant about downloading stuff!

http://americanmaryforum.com/discussion/topic/the-black-sessions/

[Zoo Music Girl]

Thank you so much!

[Dog Burger]

Thank you so much!

No problem! Always happy to share the National around. I'm a bit like a pusher, in that respect...

[Zoo Music Girl]

No problem! Always happy to share the National around. I'm a bit like a pusher, in that respect...

And I'm a very receptive new addict.

[scaryclaireyfairy]

i'm super-excited to see that the tour will still be going next summer. i didn't think there was much hope for that.

c'mon, mr eavis, please get 'em booked.

[Dog Burger]

And I'm a very receptive new addict.

Perfect customer!

The live version of About Today, can't remember if it's on Black or White, is just awesome.

[Dog Burger]

i'm super-excited to see that the tour will still be going next summer. i didn't think there was much hope for that.

c'mon, mr eavis, please get 'em booked.

Hear hear!

[Zoo Music Girl]

Perfect customer!

The live version of About Today, can't remember if it's on Black or White, is just awesome.

I'm going to download them when I get home tonight and give my ears a treat.

[Dog Burger]

Yep, they're headlining Northside, with Arcade Fire on another night. Getting very excited about this now.

[Zoo Music Girl]

I'm really jealous!

[Dog Burger]

I'm really jealous!

Come along Kylie

[Zoo Music Girl]

Come along Kylie

Ha, I wish I could! I'm kind of committed to Glastonbury right now though. Well, as committed as one can be without a ticket.

Still if I fail at every avenue in getting one then maybe I'll try and persuade my one ticketless mate that Denmark is the way forward. She's not into either of those bands so it might be tricky.

It does sound like my perfect festival though! You'll have to report back.

[Zoo Music Girl]

http://americanmaryforum.com/discussion/topic/the-black-sessions/

Thank you so much for this

I've listened to all of the Black session and most of the White one and you're right - they're bloody brilliant. I take it these aren't available to buy anywhere? I don't normally download stuff as I prefer to buy it but the temptation of "new" The National tracks to feed my obsession was too a bit too great. I'm also presuming a lot of the tracks off the Black session are from the early albums/EPs? It's very exciting to have some new stuff to listen to anyway so I am very grateful.

I've been thinking about their potential placement somewhere and it is quite odd that they have equal billing with Arcade Fire at Northside. I know European festivals are a bit different but it makes me think that they must be a bit bigger than I am thinking they are. So maybe Other headliner after all? The prospect of potentially having Arcade Fire, The National and Pixies (clashes aside) as headliners is a bit too exciting to take.

[Zoo Music Girl]

Also About Today is just beautiful. Particularly on the White session. This song is my current favourite I think.

Edited November 25, 2013 by RebeccaD

[Tuna]

National subbing Arcade Fire, in the beautiful sunset. What could be better?

[Zoo Music Girl]

National subbing Arcade Fire, in the beautiful sunset. What could be better?

Yeah that works for me too

[Dog Burger]

Also About Today is just beautiful. Particularly on the White session. This song is my current favourite I think.

Amazing isn't it?! Glad you're enjoying the sessions

[Dog Burger]

Thank you so much for this

I've listened to all of the Black session and most of the White one and you're right - they're bloody brilliant. I take it these aren't available to buy anywhere? I don't normally download stuff as I prefer to buy it but the temptation of "new" The National tracks to feed my obsession was too a bit too great. I'm also presuming a lot of the tracks off the Black session are from the early albums/EPs? It's very exciting to have some new stuff to listen to anyway so I am very grateful.

I've been thinking about their potential placement somewhere and it is quite odd that they have equal billing with Arcade Fire at Northside. I know European festivals are a bit different but it makes me think that they must be a bit bigger than I am thinking they are. So maybe Other headliner after all? The prospect of potentially having Arcade Fire, The National and Pixies (clashes aside) as headliners is a bit too exciting to take.

I get the feeling they're 'bigger' in Europe than in England. They headlined Rock Wertcher in Belgium last year, and I think were quite high up at Roskilde too? I think this may be why Glastonbury didn't happen - they thought they could get more high-profile slots in Europe. I don't know.

I don't think they'd let anyone down if they headlined the Other Stage. With six albums to draw on, and the depth and quality of their material, as demonstrated in the two hour set at Ally Pally, they've got the quality. Whether or not they'd draw a big enough crowd is debatable, especially if up againast an established guitar act. Perhaps second on the Other Stage, or second or third on the Pyramid would be ideal. I love the idea of them going on before Arcade Fire!

I really don't know if the black and white sessions were ever released, or whether they were intended as free downloads.

Also, if the obsession is beginning to bite, have you seen this?

Edited November 25, 2013 by Dog Burger

[Zoo Music Girl]

No, I've not seen this yet! I did stumble across it on my travels and wondered what it is was about. I'll make that my next project

There's a new film about them out now but it's not showing anywhere near me sadly. Or it did already and I missed it!

[Dog Burger]

No, I've not seen this yet! I did stumble across it on my travels and wondered what it is was about. I'll make that my next project

There's a new film about them out now but it's not showing anywhere near me sadly. Or it did already and I missed it!

Ah yeah, Mistaken For Strangers. I really want to see that too. I hope they eventually release it on DVD...