The National, everything you need to know!
Give my jewels to the army
my silverware and jeans
Give my love to your family
tell them anything
Give yourself to anyone
give yourself away
Don’t be a nightingale for anyone’s space to fill
If you’re not too sure what the first part of my blog is, then it’s probably not for you. I also probably don’t care for you as a person. Joking, music snobs = fuckwits.
Anyway, some great news was released not too long ago and that was that The National are returning to Australia next year in February.
After receiving outstanding reviews from their show at Splendour in the Grass, The National will be playing shows at Sydney Myer music bowl and quite possibly Laneway Festival.
For those who dont know, The National are 5 piece band hailing from Ohio. They formed in 1999 in New York and consist of two pairs of brothers, identical twins Bryce and Aaron Dessner as well as Scott and Bryan Davendorf. The magic however, comes from their charismatic yet somewhat hauntingly troubled frontman Matt Berninger.
The band, which is now heralded as one of the best going around, had humble starts. The band spent its early years releasing a couple albums and an ep (The National, Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers and Cherry Tree. These albums gathered a cult following that were hooked by the dark and tense themes, coupled with beautiful melodies.
However, the bands big break didn’t arrive until the release of their album Alligator in 2005. The record sold over 200,000 copies and was critically acclaimed. This new exposure opened the band to new heights, ones that they would take advantage of.
With their follow up album, The National released High Violet. This album would ‘succeed any dreams [I] had for the band”. The album had numerous hit singles such as; Fake Empire, Mistaken for Strangers, Apartment Story and Start a War. Due to the success of these songs The National hit the Late night circuit allowing them to further their image as amazing entertainers.
In 2011 The National released their fifth studio album and most successful to date, High Violet. Songs on the album include; Terrible Love, Afraid of everyone, Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks, Runaway and Bloodbuzz Ohio. This album was widely praised and won album of the year from Q. The band capitalised on this and toured extensively worldwide. Proving that they are not only extremely talented but also hard workers.
The most recent National album is Trouble Will Find Me. The album is just as amazing as all that come before it. The band has never waved off it’s path a kudos to them. Their first single from the album was Demons, a beautiful song that showcases the bands ability to work wonderfully together to create mood and feeling.
The best thing about the band however is their live shows. I’ve seen them twice now and have booked in to see them a third time. That’s the great thing about The National. Matt Berninger has a acute fear of crowds which leads him to drink in order to get through the show. This coupled with his music really makes you feel the emotion of the band, and you never know what you will get.
Now I’m going to do something which I wouldn’t normally do to try and stir up some discussion on my quiet as blog (someone talk to me, I’m so lonely). I’m going to try and list my top 5 National songs.
1. Mr November
2. Vanderlyle crybaby geeks
3. Fake Empire
4. American Mary
5. Mistaken for Strangers
THERE ARE SO MANY I WANT TO PUT IN!!!!!!!!
Anyway, feel free to comment your favourites, or not (but do).
Also, if you haven’t heard from them their concert is on the 9th of Feb next year. It may be sold out by now, so keep an eye out for Laneway lineup.
If not, this is what you’re missing out on!