https://youtu.be/jMxiLHENDFI?si=SlUKxq7saVthcbBQ
It was either this or the one by the 40% Radiohead band, and while I probably like the other song just a LITTLE more, I actually got to see this song live when The National came to town a few months ago.
DK and I turned to each other and wondered aloud where this sound had been hiding the last few years -- and then, lo and behold, they surprise released a second album of new music a month or so later.
It's the drums, man. This band has always been about the drums. The instrumental breakdown is a bit longer normally, and as most of my favorites of the sort do, it keeps on building and building until it feels like it can't build any more, and then it builds some more. It never exactly releases -- this ain't a Godspeed You Black Emperor song -- but it's a great reminder of a version of this band that doesn't sadly mutter word salad over slowcore (though I do enjoy that version of the band, as well).
(I added the Best of tag for you)
Thank you!
The National one of those bands I Like but don't Love, and I know a lot of people who love them. These two new albums were good, and there are times when it's a great background music, but I always seem to want them to hit that next gear.
I'm right there with you. I just kind of feel like all their songs are the same and, while I like them, nothing stands out enough to grab me. But I used to feel the same way about Radiohead too, and now I enjoy them considerably more than I used to, so maybe The National will be there in 10 years for me too?
The National is in the top tier of bands I haven't seen before live that I want to.
They put on a really good live show, so I'd definitely recommend seeing them the next time they're in town.