The National

VIMTV Episode #121: The National – High Violet

Jake: Recommended, 82/100

Tom: Highly Recommended, 89/100

Overview: The National has continued to impress listeners and critics with their latest release. While much about the band has remained the same (cryptic lyrics and a dark overall ambiance), a few key things have changed for this album. The guitarist has been removed from the forefront, the drums are more important than ever, and the bass and guitars are being used largely for dramatic effect. This is a more stripped down version of The National than what we’ve heard before, but the songwriting is still better than ever, and they focus on mood and atmosphere more than they ever have. So even if it isn’t a reinvention, it’s certainly a shift, or perhaps a reinterpretation, of their old sound that will hook potential new fans just as well as the die-hards.

Recommended Similar Artists: The Cure, Nick Drake, Clem Snide, The Arcade Fire

Jake’s Track Picks:

5. Afraid Of Anyone
6. Bloodbuzz Ohio
7. Lemonworld

Tom’s Track Picks:

5. Afraid Of Anyone
7. Lemonworld
8. Runaway

VIMTV Research Links:

VIMTV Epsode #28: The National – Alligator

Jake: Highly Recommended, 96/100

Tom: Highly Recommended, 100/100

Overview: It’s dark, it’s moody, it’s amazing. This album really has the potential to take you to another world. The vocals are low and morose, the lyrics are cryptic yet alluring, and the instrumentals are smooth in the most gloomily beautiful way. It’s hard to say in words exactly what this album captures, but it’s a kind of morbid humanity with the perfect amount of optimism to really make you feel like there is a light at the end of whatever metaphor you prefer.