The National is just so good

[Monkey Bones]

Every time I listen to Boxer, it becomes my favorite, for awhile. Just love that whole middle section, with "Green Gloves", and the sad but uplifting "Slow Show", and "Apartment Story", and finally "Start a War", so very topical at this time, when as a nation we discuss, and ultimately argue about how many lives must be lost, before the cause is lost as well. All of the time spent getting to know this record really pays back, over and over. That ending to Slow Show is just so perfect, the drums, the slight guitar drone bubbling with a bit of menace in the background, the piano, the baritone, the cinematic portrayal of loneliness and loss ...

You know I dreamed about you
for twenty-nine years before I saw you
You know I dreamed about you
I missed you for
for twenty-nine years

Yeah, cool stuff :)

[tentoze]

Thread needs a pity click. Here it is, MB.

[Mike]

Yeah I've got it but I don't listen to it nearly as much as I should do, I need to revisit it thanks for the reminder. Somebody mentioned the other week about 'skipping tracks' and I can't remember the last time I sat down and listened to a full album from beginning to end which is too bad. I bet I do most of my listening in the cars these days which is frustrating.

The trouble with music is it tends to be a solitary thing if you are lucky enough to have someone in your life who shares the same musical tastes then it's fine, but my wife has no interest in my music (or hifi) so the dvd player tends to take over. Recently we've spent some time watching the series '24' on dvd, never found the time to watch it originally, but by the time we've got the kids to bed it's grab a few episodes then the night is gone. Up to series 3 so far, yeah I know it's nonsense but still good!

A friend of mine has a boat and few of the lads got together one weekend a few weeks back and we spent a great time drinking and listening to his ipod sounds. It took me back to my youth when we would go out on a Friday or Saturday and crash at a friends house and then spend the following morning lazing around listening to music. Wouldn't swap it for now but kind of nostalgic....

Cheers
Mike

[ForeverAutumn]

Every time I listen to Boxer, it becomes my favorite, for awhile. Just love that whole middle section, with "Green Gloves", and the sad but uplifting "Slow Show", and "Apartment Story", and finally "Start a War", so very topical at this time, when as a nation we discuss, and ultimately argue about how many lives must be lost, before the cause is lost as well. All of the time spent getting to know this record really pays back, over and over. That ending to Slow Show is just so perfect, the drums, the slight guitar drone bubbling with a bit of menace in the background, the piano, the baritone, the cinematic portrayal of loneliness and loss ...

You know I dreamed about you
for twenty-nine years before I saw you
You know I dreamed about you
I missed you for
for twenty-nine years

Yeah, cool stuff :)

Hey, I like that one too!

A recently Grandfathered RRer was kind enough to share that one with me and I've been enjoying it very much.

[Monkey Bones]

Thread needs a pity click. Here it is, MB.

Yea, thanks, you're the best, count on it, won't let me down, one of the good guys ... and you even hate these guys, don't you? So what's cookin on the stereo lately? Anything really knocked you around this year yet? Do you like that Feist record? Have it? A little too precious, maybe? Sure seems to have built a big fanbase in a short time. Haven't found it very compelling yet myself, but still nice while it's playing. Haven't heard much twang lately. Picked up last years release from Richard Buckner, and like it a heck of a lot, but no sign of twang around there anymore.

[tentoze]

Yea, thanks, you're the best, count on it, won't let me down, one of the good guys ... and you even hate these guys, don't you? So what's cookin on the stereo lately? Anything really knocked you around this year yet? Do you like that Feist record? Have it? A little too precious, maybe? Sure seems to have built a big fanbase in a short time. Haven't found it very compelling yet myself, but still nice while it's playing. Haven't heard much twang lately. Picked up last years release from Richard Buckner, and like it a heck of a lot, but no sign of twang around there anymore.

Slowest year for me in, ummm, several anyway. Bought very little, and not much really has my attention. May be a combination of having no local outlet to go scrounging in anymore, and just really nothing coming out that makes me order it.

Was looking forward to the latest Armatrading release, ordered it- weak record.

The latest Andrew Bird- good, but it hasn't really had nearly the same impression on me as Eggs.

Considering pulling the trigger on the Magnolia Electric Company box set.

The only two 2007 releases that stay in heavy rotation so far are Ry Cooder's My Name Is Buddy, and Shacktown Road from Norman & Nancy Blake with Tut Taylor, neither of which will get much traction here, I imagine.

[dean_martin]

listened to the sound clips at amazon and liked what I heard. It's one of the cheaper LPs at musicdirect so it's on my wishlist. I just placed an order on Monday. I may have to wait a little bit, or not.

[Jim Clark]

My favorite of the year so far. I'd love to see it bested but the smart money wouldn't be on that. Despite the fact that I haven't had the time to visit this board much at all doesn't mean that I haven't had time to overplay this album.

Actually...I have a copy of the White Sessions done for this album too. Freaking incredible. The songs are essentially the same but with so much more...flourish and embellishment that it just adds a whole new dimension to the songs. This disc ends up with "About Today" and the crescendo of violins is just overpowering. I must really find a way to post it this weekend for the couple of other National fans around these parts. I guess it's not Tool. If they were we wouldn't be relying on pity clicks. I don't get it, but then again, I usually don't : )

jc

[Swish]

Hey, I like that one too!

A recently Grandfathered RRer was kind enough to share that one with me and I've been enjoying it very much.

It's in my top 5 for 2007, along with Electrelane, Andrew Bird, Wilco, and Richmond Fontaine. There are quite a few others I need to listen to a bit more, especially the new Spoon, before I can start throwing out too many accolades, but so far, it's been a pretty good year music-wise.

Granddaddy Swish

[ForeverAutumn]

I was trying not to blow your cover. ;)

[Monkey Bones]

Actually...I have a copy of the White Sessions done for this album too. Freaking incredible. I must really find a way to post it this weekend for the couple of other National fans around these parts.

I'll get it for you, buddy. Just mp3 below, but great stuff! Recorded end of May for France's Inter Radio. They also did a Black Sessions for Alligator a couple years ago that's readily available. Hope you had a happy b-day too.

<span style="font-weight: bold;">The National - The White Sessions<br /><br /></span>1. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/01%20Start%20a%20War.mp3">Start a War</a><br />2. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/02%20Brainy.mp3">Brainy</a><br />3. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/03%20Slow%20Show.mp3">Slow Show</a><br />4. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/04%20Squalor%20Victoria.mp3">Squalor Victoria</a><br />5. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/05%20Apartment%20Story.mp3">Apartment Story</a><br />6. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/06%20Racing%20Like%20a%20Pro.mp3">Racing Like a Pro</a><br />7. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/07%20Ada.mp3">Ada</a><br />8. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/08%20You%27ve%20Done%20It%20Again%20Virginia.mp3">You've Done it Again, Virginia</a><br />9. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/09%20Mistaken%20For%20Strangers.mp3">Mistaken For Strangers</a><br />10. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/10%20Fake%20Empire.mp3">Fake Empire</a><br />11. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/11%20About%20Today.mp3">About Today</a>

[Jim Clark]

I'll get it for you, buddy. Just mp3 below, but great stuff! Recorded end of May for France's Inter Radio. They also did a Black Sessions for Alligator a couple years ago that's readily available. Hope you had a happy b-day too.

<span style="font-weight: bold;">The National - The White Sessions<br /><br /></span>1. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/01%20Start%20a%20War.mp3">Start a War</a><br />2. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/02%20Brainy.mp3">Brainy</a><br />3. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/03%20Slow%20Show.mp3">Slow Show</a><br />4. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/04%20Squalor%20Victoria.mp3">Squalor Victoria</a><br />5. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/05%20Apartment%20Story.mp3">Apartment Story</a><br />6. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/06%20Racing%20Like%20a%20Pro.mp3">Racing Like a Pro</a><br />7. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/07%20Ada.mp3">Ada</a><br />8. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/08%20You%27ve%20Done%20It%20Again%20Virginia.mp3">You've Done it Again, Virginia</a><br />9. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/09%20Mistaken%20For%20Strangers.mp3">Mistaken For Strangers</a><br />10. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/10%20Fake%20Empire.mp3">Fake Empire</a><br />11. The National - <a href="http://www.thenextstop.org/MP3s/11%20About%20Today.mp3">About Today</a>

Kool, folks should grab this sucker.

I have that Black Sessions disc too. Great, great stuff.

Thanks for doing the leg work on this for me.

jc

[Monkey Bones]

Kool, folks should grab this sucker.

BTW, speaking of new music, if you haven't got the new Moonbabies At the Ballroom record yet, and feel an overpowering need to get it, don't. Very forgettable. One of my only music buying missteps this year. Sadly uninspired. Still sounds like the Moonbabies, but just seems like the same song over and over. Wish they had tried exploring some of that edgier My Bloody Valentine grandeur they used to have, instead of moving totally to the ABBA-lite bubblegum side.

Made a half disc a few weeks ago that has been getting a bunch of plays. Gave a couple out to friends at work, but not sure how well it was received. Fun stuff though :)

Monkey Flung Poo (aka Half Gone 2007)

1. Andrew Bird - Fiery Crash
2. The National - Slow Show
3. Shearwater - White Waves
4. Blonde Redhead - Publisher
5. Electrelane - Saturday
6. Feist - The Park
7. The National - Start a War
8. Andrew Bird - Imitosis
9. Spoon - My Little Japanese Cigarette Case
10. Blonde Redhead - The Dress
11. Electrelane - After the Call
12. Shearwater - Failed Queen
13. Richmond Fontaine - I Fell Into a Painting In Phoenix, Arizona
14. Spoon - Black Like Me

[Swish]

BTW, speaking of new music, if you haven't got the new Moonbabies At the Ballroom record yet, and feel an overpowering need to get it, don't. Very forgettable. One of my only music buying missteps this year. Sadly uninspired. Still sounds like the Moonbabies, but just seems like the same song over and over. Wish they had tried exploring some of that edgier My Bloody Valentine grandeur they used to have, instead of moving totally to the ABBA-lite bubblegum side.

Made a half disc a few weeks ago that has been getting a bunch of plays. Gave a couple out to friends at work, but not sure how well it was received. Fun stuff though :)

Monkey Flung Poo (aka Half Gone 2007)

1. Andrew Bird - Fiery Crash
2. The National - Slow Show
3. Shearwater - White Waves
4. Blonde Redhead - Publisher
5. Electrelane - Saturday
6. Feist - The Park
7. The National - Start a War
8. Andrew Bird - Imitosis
9. Spoon - My Little Japanese Cigarette Case
10. Blonde Redhead - The Dress
11. Electrelane - After the Call
12. Shearwater - Failed Queen
13. Richmond Fontaine - I Fell Into a Painting In Phoenix, Arizona
14. Spoon - Black Like Me

Well, of course you are, but now they'll know that you're a true elderly geek.

Grandpa Swish

[nobody]

I just grabbed a copy of this one not too long ago, but have only been able to listen to it in the background thus far. I like it so far, but think this one may sound better when I've got a chance to pay more attention.

[Jim Clark]

Thanks for that heads up, I probably would have gone with my instincts and grabbed it. I think it's been out for a while on import and I've heard nothing, which is never a good sign. Oh well, maybe next time.

jc


BTW, speaking of new music, if you haven't got the new Moonbabies At the Ballroom record yet, and feel an overpowering need to get it, don't. Very forgettable. One of my only music buying missteps this year. Sadly uninspired. Still sounds like the Moonbabies, but just seems like the same song over and over. Wish they had tried exploring some of that edgier My Bloody Valentine grandeur they used to have, instead of moving totally to the ABBA-lite bubblegum side.

Made a half disc a few weeks ago that has been getting a bunch of plays. Gave a couple out to friends at work, but not sure how well it was received. Fun stuff though :)

Monkey Flung Poo (aka Half Gone 2007)

1. Andrew Bird - Fiery Crash
2. The National - Slow Show
3. Shearwater - White Waves
4. Blonde Redhead - Publisher
5. Electrelane - Saturday
6. Feist - The Park
7. The National - Start a War
8. Andrew Bird - Imitosis
9. Spoon - My Little Japanese Cigarette Case
10. Blonde Redhead - The Dress
11. Electrelane - After the Call
12. Shearwater - Failed Queen
13. Richmond Fontaine - I Fell Into a Painting In Phoenix, Arizona
14. Spoon - Black Like Me

[Davey]

BTW, speaking of new music, if you haven't got the new Moonbabies At the Ballroom record yet, and feel an overpowering need to get it, don't. Very forgettable. One of my only music buying missteps this year. Sadly uninspired. Still sounds like the Moonbabies, but just seems like the same song over and over. Wish they had tried exploring some of that edgier My Bloody Valentine grandeur they used to have, instead of moving totally to the ABBA-lite bubblegum side.
Thanks for that heads up, I probably would have gone with my instincts and grabbed it. I think it's been out for a while on import and I've heard nothing, which is never a good sign. Oh well, maybe next time.

But then again, Stylus just reviewed it and called it their best yet. Still only gave it a 'B' and acknowledged some of the problems, but best yet? The review finished with ...

Things aren’t all gold, but let’s ignore all that for now. Besides, with these two harmonizing in my ear, I can’t quite remember what was the problem anyway. The Moonbabies have gone to the ballroom and come back with their best album yet. Why bother fighting it?

[Jim Clark]

Oh for crying out loud!

It's the same with Interpol. First review I read trashed it, the rest have been almost universally positive. Guess that's mainly from listener's vs. critics, but still.

Guess I'l end up breaking down and buying them both.

jc
when will it ever end?

But then again, Stylus just reviewed it and called it their best yet. Still only gave it a 'B' and acknowledged some of the problems, but best yet? The review finished with ...

Things aren’t all gold, but let’s ignore all that for now. Besides, with these two harmonizing in my ear, I can’t quite remember what was the problem anyway. The Moonbabies have gone to the ballroom and come back with their best album yet. Why bother fighting it?

[Monkey Bones]

The thread that continues to deliver. Just downloaded the White Sessions again, links still active, and still very cool stuff. The Boxer has really matured well over the last couple years, outstanding record. Anyone else wishing they had a new record on the horizon? Been listening to that Dark Was The Night collection that one of the National guys helped to put together for World AIDS Awareness, and their contribution is a good one, "So Far Around the Bend". Lots of unique music spread over the 2 discs, some very cool, and a few not so, but if time wasn't a bird (yeah, that IS a Hellsayers refererence, and like my sloshy buddy, I do want me some new Wayne Robbins), I'd burn it down to 1 disc. Kronos Quartet is even on hand for the title track, playing as my fingers hit the keys, sounding a bit like one of those American blues meets African blues crossover things. Very cool, as is the "Train Song" with Feist and Ben Gibbard trading verses over some simple acoustic guitar, the best of both.

[dean_martin]

ha! didn't realize this was a revived thread until I saw my post. Boxer has become one of my faves. Fake Empire seems hauntingly relevant today.

[bobsticks]

ha! didn't realize this was a revived thread until I saw my post. Boxer has become one of my faves. Fake Empire seems hauntingly relevant today.

Ja, deano...'tis true...

MonkeyD is, as usual right on track. For every ten Vampire Weekends or The Virgins there comes along a The National. I'd agree too with "Fake Empires" as for me Boxer supercedes their previous efforts.

[Swish]

Ja, deano...'tis true...

MonkeyD is, as usual right on track. For every ten Vampire Weekends or The Virgins there comes along a The National. I'd agree too with "Fake Empires" as for me Boxer supercedes their previous efforts.

...than Alligator or Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers, or the EP Cherry Tree. Crap, I like all of them nearly equally, especially after seeing them live. You guys really have to make sure you see them live before it's too late. Too late? For you or for them. Either way. I need some sleep now.

[Ex Lion Tamer]

ha! didn't realize this was a revived thread until I saw my post. Boxer has become one of my faves. Fake Empire seems hauntingly relevant today.

The Boxer still sounds great to me too. I really need to get Alligator. Going to see them in May and I can't wait.

[Mr MidFi]

I didn't really know or care about them until I saw them live. Terrific band. I still only have Alligator... I suppose I should have gotten The Boxer long ago. Throw it on the big pile of shoulda's and still-mights, I guess.