I agree with anthony on most parts here..... I feel like there are a few parts where it lacks, but overall this album is really good.... strong 6 is too low, probably like a moderate 8 for me......
It is a great album, but after owning it for a bit over a year its not quite as dynamic as Boxer IMO. I like to think of it this way; there are some really awesome tracks on High Violet, but all of Boxer is just incredible.
High Violet earns an 8.5/10, but Boxer is one of maybe three or four albums id give a 10/10 to
FUCK YOU!! YOU FUCKING PEICE OF SHIT!! FUCKING EAT SHIT...... good review... i just hate you, and your name, and your FUCKING CLOTHES..... good review though
Review Cleric - Regressions! Just give it a chance! I bet you'll enjoy it! Just listen to the album in it's entirety once!! You [probably] won't regret it!! (And yes, I'm personally visiting each of your videos!! THIS IS IMPORTANT, DAMNIT!!)
It's as boring and as grey as I EVER heard a record being, even Bloodbuzz Ohio IN the album doesn't stand out as it gets dragged down by the lameness of the other songs, the stupid lyrics that are just whiney, laments of everyday problems, all the songs that just seem like a knitted scarf. Great job for making an album that sounds like one big song, but I don't care bout it.
Clearly not my cup of tea... also, worst European debut of an American band
This albums is a 9/10 for me. You're right it is consistent and that's what's great about it. The songs meld into one another and it becomes one huge experience. The beauty of the National is in the details. If you put on their music just because you want something to listen to you might not get it, it requires a certain amount attention from the listener that just doesn't make for a great casual listening experience.
@nickfromCO Stay out super late tonight ,picking apples, making pies, put a little something in our lemonade and take it with us...... It's a terrible love that I'm walking with spiders
I'm curious as to what tracks fell into that grey area for you. I'm a huge fan of The National so I might be biased here, but every single song on that album I can go back to listen to.
I mostly agree with your reviews, but this one's a little... wrong. I know there are opinions and they cannot be called right or wrong, but Jesus. The National are incredible, and in my opinion this album stands above Alligator and The National as their third best album. I think it deserves a strong 8 or even a soft 8.
I think The National did quite a fantastic job of living up to Boxer with this album by not being at all like Boxer. Unfortunately when you make an album as lovable as Boxer, your bound to notice the weaknesses of a band in their later work. I 75% agree with Anthony on this one, but IMO its a bit more deserving of a low 8/hi 7. I think if they took a little refinement out of the album, it would go a long way.
Also people, lets remember its his opinion, and you won't always agree.
Some of your points are spot on, but I really don't see how you can give this a six. In my opinion a seven or eight wouldn't even do this album justice. I've been a fan of them for some time, and really this album brings everything they've done in the past together very nicely. It does feature several "downer" songs, but I think they fit right in with their overall sound. Thanks for doing this review. Best wishes.
Hey, anthony, who are you? I don't think I get why you are reviewing music. Are you that kid who couldn't get the hang of piano in elementary school?
Hey, anthony, who are you? I don't think I get why you are reviewing music. Are you that kid who couldn't get the hang out piano in elementary school?
In my opinion, I do think you misjudged this album. I have a hard time believing that these songs didn't resonate with you? Honestly I can't recall any other album (besides maybe Boxer) that epitomizes what it feels like to be living in 21st century America.
Dude, I usually really like your reviews but this one just irritates me because I feel like you've really missed the mark here. Sorry to be another car in the hate train...
Ant, your reviews are usually quite accurate and do raise some valid criticisms.... but its very obvious on reviews like this that you havent really done your homework... this is a disappointingly superficial review for a brilliant album
Ant, your reviews are usually quite accurate and do raise some valid criticisms.... but its very obvious on reviews like this that you havent really done your homework... this is a disappointingly superficial review for a brilliant album
High Violet is one of the most easily relatable albums I've heard in my entire life. It's cohesiveness and its consistency is WHY this album is a 10/10. Finally. A classically-influenced rock band has the guts to craft something flawless.
great review, you know your music very well.....understand where you come from about the drone sound to high violet, but have to admit one of the most underated bands
bad review, man. the "sentiments" of high violet are easy to relate to. oh boy, social anxiety? not feeling like your life is fulfilling? those concepts are way over my head.
I thought this album got away from the attack that the national came with on earlier stuff from boxer and alligator. This is one of those albums much like turn on the bright light by interpol that I feel in tune with. An album to be listened to on repeat several times over. I also don't see the sorrow that everyone talks about with this album.To me the song writing tells not a story of sadness but a story of I have been in a bad way earlier in my life and im past that now. My favorite lp of 2010
In my experience, whenever I buy a new album I tend not to like every song right away. Maybe I pick out 5 or 6 that I like, and really listen to those ones a lot. But as I fall more and more in love with those few tracks, I am pulled into the rest of the album. And in the case of High Violet, I love being pulled into the "grey area." Sometimes sorrow can be felt so deep inside of you that nothing seems clear anymore, and maybe that's what they were going for.
I think this guy tried out to be Scott Devendorf's replacement and got rejected so now he's taking out his anger on High Violet. Just a hypothesis... but I'm about 90% certain.
Too consistent for its own good!!!! This guy is a lot of crap. Honestly.... he sounds like he knows what he talking about but there is really no real insight.
@vanc4297 Uh, no, hes spot on. This album wears out its welcome because this band is very slow, most of their songs being of the somber variety. It is not unreasonable for someone to want to hear something upbeat after 10+ tracks of slow sad songs. Great albums (7+) should probably have a little more variety than this album, or this band for that matter, has. Are we done listening to entire albums worth of indie songs that are plain saddening? are indie artists really ready to grow up?
The National have got to be given credit for, if anything, their accurate picture of the current social landscape. Characters in The National songs aren't extraordinary or anymore unique than any random person on the street, but that's sort of the point. Maybe our society produces, in general, mediocre people.
Here's to The National reconnecting truth and art.
This is easily my favourite album of 2010. A brilliantly reserved record that doesn't feel the need to show off, and a perfect reflection of middle class discontent.
I'm not saying I'm justified in being discontent with "middle-classness", but hell, at least its honest and it certainly speaks to me more than a lot of music out there.
I agree with a lot of your points. For me, a great album would have more of their upbeat material as heard on Alligator to balance out the mud of this album.
Lol, fanboys. Boxer was one of the greatest albums of the past decade for me, but to me this album still is really uneven, I skip almost half of the tracks on this, a problem I didn't have with the last three albums. Easily their least succesfull effort since Sad Songs for DIrty Lovers.
I disagree with this review. I am someone who suffers from a short attention span and struggle to listen to the second half of long albums or the last few on an average timed album but High Violet was so engaging for me that I really felt the emotion of every song.
I'm a HUGE fan of this album, because of the meticulous songcraft and it's ability to speak to America's working class (which, today, extends to both cubicles and construction sites). This album is more detached than Boxer is, and I miss some of the warmth and intimacy that Boxer offered. Additionally, Matt sounds more frightened than world-weary on this new album, making him sound a little standoffish. High Violet doesn't top Boxer, but excited to see where the National will go next.
you are completely wrong about this album. flat out. i'm sorry i know opinion, opinion. but this record is simply phenomenal. how were you not brought to tears by some of these tracks?!?!?!
Agreed with almost everything you said, except for the overall score. I would give this a 9/10. When you were talking about the mushier moments, the last two tracks definitely came to mind, Those are the sleepiest numbers and take the longest time to grow on you, but after 10 or so listens to the album, I stopped skipping/zoning out of those tracks and began to like them as well. This is the best combination of strong melody, craftsmanship and cohesive style of any album I have heard this year.
lol What's funny is I listened to this album before Vampire Weekend's Contra and I almost had a heart attack from the total change of mood. I went from ...gray... to COLORS! in no time. Arghhh. I do like this album, though. Even though it is very somber, it hits a warm spot in my heart where it took residence to stay. :)
Very good review! I do think it's a great album, but with not TOO many great songs indeed. Only a few tracks that might reach the level of songs like Slow Show, Abel, Fake Empire, Apartment Story... and the tracks that you mention definitely do reach that level. I'm glad the broader public discovered them. Glad for them. They really deserve it after ten years.
I really like this album, but there is too much of a mainstream Coldplay feel to their music that prevents me from really getting into it. Instrumentally, they have an excellent sound. Perhaps they're a bit too superficial... kind of like Interpol, who released a debut that was sonically rich but a bit too hipster otherwise.
Say dawg... Do you ever think that The National's singer owes a lot of his sound to The Tindersticks? I can't help but call "thievery!" when I listen to the two bands back to back. Oh well, I just might be crazy.
So you have something against them for not relating to lower middle class people? Go blow Bruce Springsteen.
And for lyrics that are somber and miserable, your right, Nirvana was shit because their lyrics were so downer. I realize you say its a good album but not great and I agree, but to have a problem with the album sounding like all the songs belong together. Listen to a mix CD made by your ex-closet boyfriend.
High Violet does not compare to their early work as every band/artist should grow.
All the arguments u r exposing here i agree but from the positive view. I think that the blurry grey atmosphere was a real aim for them and a lot of people like me enjoy that kind of feelings. I'm thinking on "the cure" album: "disintegration", a superb sad melancholic atmosphere. Thank you and sorry about my spaniard english. I'm waiting to see The National at Barcelona soon.
10/10 - This album is equally as engrossing and hypnotic as Boxer. It's the perfect backdrop to those lazy summer evenings spent at home with a bottle of wine or cognac. I love hearing these sorrowful tunes emanate throughout my empty house. I need sad songs for sad times b/c the last thing I want to hear when I'm feeling down and out is something uplifting. But in a way, it's also great make-out music - so go figure. I'm a sucker for reverb which each song is dripping with.
High Violet took me much longer to "get" than the previous albums, but I have grown to love it much more than any other album. The others had two or three songs I wanted to fast forward, but this one has zero bad songs, in my opinion. Flows perfectly.. LOVE IT!!! Unlike the Black Keys, they are getting better as they go.
Although I think your rating of a 6 is a little low, I think that you are spot on for this album being too consistent. It is a great album, but by the end I am almost drained because of the way the songs keep on getting more somber. I think they did a better job of mixing it up with Boxer.
It's The National. You are supposed to listen to it, then listen to it again, ignore what your opinion at that moment is, then listen it again three times, and THEN be in love with the album.
Hey dude great review, I know popular music ain't really your thing but could you review Brandon Flowers 'Flamingo' when it comes out, I just really would like to see that.
Oh and that 'for fans of' thing wad great, you should do more of that!
I absolutely agree with you're review (maybe cuz I'm also a HUGE Interpol fan). Usually after a few listens an album grows on me, but with this one, it just gets ridiculously repetitive. A lot of people say they love the drums/drummer but I think it's their biggest negative. I just saw them live too. After about 5 songs I wanted to bash my head in (Sorry, I HATE repetition in music. To me it shows no originality).
I thought it was almost like Coldplay, sentimental mould-fitting indie music for the masses, to accompany the ending credits of a future massive teenage vampire movie blockbuster. The last song is good for sounding more 70's than "thick 80's once-called-alternative-rock" rehash.
Funny how I stumbled upon this video rite after I took the time to listen to both Boxer and High Violet back to back. I deeply love both of them, but to me, HV was more solid. For my taste, the quality on Boxer was too varied, you'd get a REALLY great song, followed by a so-so song. On HV, it was smooth sailing right through. I love HV as one piece, but i love the song writing and genius of the better songs on Boxer more. Remove "Racing Like a Pro" and Boxer would've beaten HV in my books.
The failure to mention "Runaway" makes me sad. Despite the fact that it may seem to conform to the "mush" sound mentioned, I love how simple and solemn it is.
hey love the stuff man i subscribed, but i cant understand what is soo Amazing about the beatles albums (the only ones i really liked were abbey road and majical mystory tour) what im tryna say is can you just do a video review on the beatles albums explaining why they were so "amazing"
Totally disagree with the mush part the album is a grower, as is all there albums especially alligator and Boxer...best album ive heard in the past two years.....
Wow! Talk about over thinking it and taking the fun out of listening to music. I'd shoot myself if I looked this deep into every album I ever listend to. It boils down to whether you like it, love it, dislike it or hate it. Your review sounds so pretentious dude. As for me I think High Violet is better than Boxer, Aligator and The National. I'm still deciding whether I like it as much or more than Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers. Cherry Tree and the Virgina don't really count as albums I guess?
You're whole schtick is un-relatable, dude. You need to loosen up on your pretentiousness, and let down your hair. We understand that you're smart, you don't have to prove it that much.
After about fifty listens or so I have to say that it's definitely as good as their earlier work. As you said, this band is really consistent. But you made it sound like it was a bad thing and to be honest, they aren't the one trick ponies they were on their first album. Every album has another kind of mood in my opinion. And still, I can listen to any of their albums and love it to death. If I really had to pick ONE it'd be alligator, but I feel like High Violet is going to trump it in time
I didn't think this album was such a downer. Conversation 16 cracks my ass up whenever I hear it. They have their somber moments but it's not as gloomy as Interpol.
I am among the fiercely positive reviewers. You mentioned that sort of relatability to their music, which is a big part of it. I felt that a bit more on Boxer, but in a way I'm enjoying the process of trying to figure out some of the songs that have come as a challenge for me, such as the first few and last few. Also, the baritone voice.
Great review. Although I don't agree with you, I can see where you're coming from. This is my favourite album since Funeral by Arcade Fire. But I think it depends highly where your mood is at. It's a great conversational album (for me anyway). I love the lyrics. Vague, but pithy at the same time. It ranks as my favourite National album to date and I never thought I'd say that after Boxer and Alligator before it. Sure it's a grower, but you have to want to give it that patience.
I feel that the National took a completely different approach to HV compared to Boxer. I loved the Boxer as it was a much more accessible album than HV but I don't think HV deserves a strong six
Personally I feel that if an album makes a lasting impression on you it's because that album is a "grower," and songs that at first a listener didn't find appealing will later come to love them, HV is that album. This album has been my favorite album since In Rainbows and I think it was nearly flawless.
i've been watching live performances of bloodbuzz ohio, and terrible love, as well as older tracks like Lit Up...etc...I think the National sounds better live, which is saying a lot. There are a lot of bands out there that sound like sh**t live. For example, look at some of the National's performances on Letterman recently, and some on Jools Holland show... they know how to play live.
I have to agree with you entirely on your final point re: the 'consistency' problem. This issue has always been my problem with The National and (I'll stick my neck out) Interpol to a somewhat lesser degree. If I'm not actively LISTENING to these albums with the intent of picking out their intricacies, I find the whole thing has gone by and I barely noticed. It is an entirely personal perspective, I know, but the ability to catch my attention and MAKE me listen to a track is fairly important.
Whoa sorry for the partially negative comments, but I'd have to agree with you for the most part, the gray mushy less-memorable tracks are not so much filler as they are just sad and boring supporting cast... Basically the last half of the album picks it up and then reminds you to start it over again. I saw them a few times live this weekend, including with an intimate 100 person crowd, and honestly I thought it would be a sapshow cryfest, but I walked away rocked by they're updown booze rock.
I personally loved the album, it's more than up to par with Boxer (I never really dug Alligator), although it needed two or three listens for me to really get into it. But I thought the production of Terrible love, a very strong track, was quite peculiar. Almost like it wasn't finished. But throughout it was a brilliant album in my opinion, 9/10.
At the start of the review i really didn't like where it was going, and towards the end i don't either... But hey somewhere in between 2:003:00 you really started to hit on some good stuff...
To agree with @Dyllholio whole heartily with the Growers idea. The tracks which you start off disliking will end up your favorites by the end of the albums life. Think the albums probably one of the better once we'll see all year.
I think this album gets punished for being out of step with contemporary trends. In this era, to get the thumbs-up of the hipsters, you almost HAVE to be willfully obscure (Flying Lotus, Pantha Du Prince, Girls, etc), and full-on darkness has gone out of fad to playfulness (Sleigh Bells, LCD Soundsystem, etc). This album is a straightforward dark blue masterpiece, in an era where people's tolerance for straightforward and dark blue are low. It will outlive it's peers in respect.
Thats a fair review. I love the National and frankly love this album, but fair play because there are a couple of lethargic tracks on there. It's an 8 for me, where Boxer was a 9 and Alligator was a straight 10.
I think it has to do with my love of Joy Division & Radiohead... this album owns me. Not enough bands understand how to make "sad" records, The National does.
Its still growing on me, even the songs that didn't seem very complete with the first few listens have got stuck in my head; Alligator took months of going back to before it really worked its magic and thats one of the best indie rock records of 2005. Im confident these new songs will sound fantastic live and for many bands thats not always as sure a thing.
@TheFingerbang1 Well, I just listened to them playing Afraid of Everyone on Letterman and it was indeed fantastic! I have no doubt the live versions will work wonders in regards to most of the tracks on the LP ^^ Agree on Alligator, too, it was the quintessential grower for me. HV has actually been relatively easy to get into, and now, after five listens, there is nary a track I don't like on it. A comfortable 9 in my books :D
I've been a National fan for about 3 or 4 years and own and listened to every album and EP. I 100% agree with you on the idea that the album turns into a little bit of a gray area for some of the songs, and gets little old and mushy. I definitely think that Boxer was a much better album with much more variation and had simple songs like "racing like a pro" that made me fall in love with that album. I enjoy High violet alot but it hasn't struck me yet like Boxer or Sad Song for Dirty Lovers has.
I became of a fan of the national last year after seeing them live and I think this is definitely the best album they've put out although I think some of the songs such as Terrible Love could've been so much better. Terrible Love sounds amazing when performed live but on the album it just seems to muddy and the drums don't come through the sound of the guitars enough like they do live. But my favorite tracks are definitely Bloodbuzz ohio, anyone's ghost and England.
@Dyllholio Well I guess sounding pretentious and being pretentious are two different things, then, because I believe you're entitled to your opinion. You're going to like what you're going to like, and I'm going to like what I like. It's subjective. All I'm doing it just offering another point of view and whatnot. *shrugs*
@Dyllholio How exactly does he sound he sound pretentious? He presents his opinions and the way he himself feels about the album in a very organized and thought out manner. He tries to prompt thoughtful discussion about the album and he's completely ok with people disagreeing with him as long as they're not douchebags about it.
I am not sure pretentious is the word. I just feel that there is a contradiction between Fantano's way of presenting his reviews and the sincerity that I believe is the core of most of the music he is reviewing. Just a bit less Eminem and a bit more Vincent Moon, Anthony ;)
This is the first material I have heard of The National, and I just got the album last night from iTunes, and I have to say they sound so satisfyingly mature here. A lot of the songs have similar song structures, but I guess thats what makes it a cohesive album, prioritizing build up rather than immediacy. I probably heard Sorrow for the 15th time just today itself. Other top songs- England, Conversation 16, Afraid of Everyone, Anyone's Ghost. 8/10
Anthony, while my personal score for the album would probably be a strong 8, I still thought your review was excellent and I agree with nearly all of your points.
One reason why I might have felt more positively about the album is that Berringer's lyrics have consistently resonated with me. Even as a younger male, I find the struggles he presents still have a lot in common with my lifestyle, and his storytelling is the main reason I fell in love with "Boxer".
Anthony, while my personal score for this album would probably be a strong 8, I still thought your review was excellent, and I agree with nearly all the points you made.
One reason why I might have felt more positively about the album overall is that Matt's lyrics consistently resonate with me, even on some of the songs on the album that aren't as hard hitting. His storytelling on "Boxer" made me fall in love with the band, and I still consider it be one of my favorite albums of all time.
I don't get yr "white collar" argument. To me the national have always seemed a bit working class. Working class and elegant aren't mutually exclusive terms in my opinion. The frustrations of having tastes that exceed yr socioeconomic class.
I've been a mild National fan ever since Alligator. There are songs that I absolutely adore from their previous records so I was really anticipating High Violet. I've listened to it a couple times and it's a good album with some great tracks, but I felt the songs were a little muddy in production, like Terrible Love, and the consistent somber tone of it made the album drag a little bit. I like the album as a whole however and need to REALLY listen to the whole album some more.
Strong album from a great band. Not as good as Boxer, imo. But one of the better albums of the year so far. Behind Teen Dream, and right alongside Contra, and Plastic Beach.
Strong album from a great band. Not as good as Boxer, imo. But one of the better albums of the year so far. Behind Teen Dream, and right alongside Contra, and Plastic Beach.
Strong album from a great band. Not as good as Boxer, imo. But one of the better albums of the year so far. Behind Teen Dream, and right alongside Contra, and Plastic Beach.
Strong album from a great band. Not as good as Boxer, imo. But one of the better albums of the year so far. Behind Teen Dream, and right alongside Contra, and Plastic Beach.
Pretty good but Alligator is still one of my favorite albums from start-finish. Don't even bother w/ the skip button on the Cherry Tree Ep either. I definitely would recommend Boxer or any of the above mentioned over High Violet to someone just discovering the band. Still a Great live act & maybe these new songs will sound a lot better in a concert setting. One of the best live shows I own.
Dug your review, but your "white collar" description is a bit lazy. That element was present in Boxer, but not nearly as much so on this one. The themes on HV don't relate to socioeconomic class. It is, however, still a very "personal" record, meaning half of the masses won't ever get it. I kind of feel sorry for that half. In general, I really like your reviews. They're honest with substance, which is more than half of the e-tards do on their blogs or whatever.
Yeah, I could've used a lot more drums in the mix, they are the heart of this band, as opposed to the swirling guitars that go pretty much nowhere on every track (even though that's kind of the point). It's hard to get super excited about a band whose whole purpose is basically stagnation, and I think a fair amount of people misunderstand what this band is about. I don't really get the hype or the hate for this band. Also, great vocals, and no one does this sound better. Overall, I dig.
strong 6 is a bit low...
HsunusC 5 days ago
I agree with anthony on most parts here..... I feel like there are a few parts where it lacks, but overall this album is really good.... strong 6 is too low, probably like a moderate 8 for me......
jimissarcastic 2 weeks ago
I have listened to songs from this album almost everyday for the last year....it's music that is truly art...
dmorles 4 months ago
Not much can compare to boxer, but some
Tracks on here try, and succeed for the most part (read sorrow, terrible love, some others).
When I think of the musical apocalypse occurring all I can think of is grabbing by Boxer LP and running.
darcynshit 4 months ago
It is a great album, but after owning it for a bit over a year its not quite as dynamic as Boxer IMO. I like to think of it this way; there are some really awesome tracks on High Violet, but all of Boxer is just incredible.
High Violet earns an 8.5/10, but Boxer is one of maybe three or four albums id give a 10/10 to
skimaniac05 5 months ago
@skimaniac05 what's the others that you'd give a 10 to??
albinocify 4 months ago
FUCK YOU!! YOU FUCKING PEICE OF SHIT!! FUCKING EAT SHIT...... good review... i just hate you, and your name, and your FUCKING CLOTHES..... good review though
Dinopirate 5 months ago
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Review Cleric - Regressions! Just give it a chance! I bet you'll enjoy it! Just listen to the album in it's entirety once!! You [probably] won't regret it!! (And yes, I'm personally visiting each of your videos!! THIS IS IMPORTANT, DAMNIT!!)
drumninmer34 5 months ago
your a faggot!
missinglithium 5 months ago
It's as boring and as grey as I EVER heard a record being, even Bloodbuzz Ohio IN the album doesn't stand out as it gets dragged down by the lameness of the other songs, the stupid lyrics that are just whiney, laments of everyday problems, all the songs that just seem like a knitted scarf. Great job for making an album that sounds like one big song, but I don't care bout it.
Clearly not my cup of tea... also, worst European debut of an American band
DarkAngelEU 6 months ago
this album is a strong 10/10 for me its fucking perfect! there is no bad tracks and is just amazing ahhh ausbydvew its soooo good i love it
co0ookiecwisp356 6 months ago
This albums is a 9/10 for me. You're right it is consistent and that's what's great about it. The songs meld into one another and it becomes one huge experience. The beauty of the National is in the details. If you put on their music just because you want something to listen to you might not get it, it requires a certain amount attention from the listener that just doesn't make for a great casual listening experience.
1con0clast 7 months ago
"Bloodbuzz Ohio" is my girlfriend and I's big song. I fucking love the entire record.
HowToCatchShadows 7 months ago
i don't get why people insist on wooing over the national. they're a good band, great melodies, but lyrically they're garbage.
07foxmulder 8 months ago
@07foxmulder garbage lyrically? yea right....that's gotta be a joke
nickfromCO 7 months ago
@nickfromCO Stay out super late tonight ,picking apples, making pies, put a little something in our lemonade and take it with us...... It's a terrible love that I'm walking with spiders
yeah, those lyrics are incredible
07foxmulder 7 months ago
I listened to this album 3 times straight during a very long roadtrip and i have to say its a lot better than a 6/10...a lot better.
quinn959 8 months ago
I'm curious as to what tracks fell into that grey area for you. I'm a huge fan of The National so I might be biased here, but every single song on that album I can go back to listen to.
hop2101992 9 months ago
I mostly agree with your reviews, but this one's a little... wrong. I know there are opinions and they cannot be called right or wrong, but Jesus. The National are incredible, and in my opinion this album stands above Alligator and The National as their third best album. I think it deserves a strong 8 or even a soft 8.
fredfred39 9 months ago
I think The National did quite a fantastic job of living up to Boxer with this album by not being at all like Boxer. Unfortunately when you make an album as lovable as Boxer, your bound to notice the weaknesses of a band in their later work. I 75% agree with Anthony on this one, but IMO its a bit more deserving of a low 8/hi 7. I think if they took a little refinement out of the album, it would go a long way.
Also people, lets remember its his opinion, and you won't always agree.
skimaniac05 9 months ago
Some of your points are spot on, but I really don't see how you can give this a six. In my opinion a seven or eight wouldn't even do this album justice. I've been a fan of them for some time, and really this album brings everything they've done in the past together very nicely. It does feature several "downer" songs, but I think they fit right in with their overall sound. Thanks for doing this review. Best wishes.
seekur32 9 months ago
Hey, anthony, who are you? I don't think I get why you are reviewing music. Are you that kid who couldn't get the hang of piano in elementary school?
ryan8951 9 months ago
Hey, anthony, who are you? I don't think I get why you are reviewing music. Are you that kid who couldn't get the hang out piano in elementary school?
ryan8951 9 months ago
In my opinion, I do think you misjudged this album. I have a hard time believing that these songs didn't resonate with you? Honestly I can't recall any other album (besides maybe Boxer) that epitomizes what it feels like to be living in 21st century America.
Dude, I usually really like your reviews but this one just irritates me because I feel like you've really missed the mark here. Sorry to be another car in the hate train...
grule3212 10 months ago
@tonialiastbone Yeah i agree, in fact i didn't like it much for the first 5 days or so. But now its up there with Boxer.
oliversenord 10 months ago
This album is awesome ???
oliversenord 10 months ago
I absolutely disagree
this album is masterpiece
gogolplex74 11 months ago
This album is great. vocals just grab u
kurt23407 11 months ago
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Ant, your reviews are usually quite accurate and do raise some valid criticisms.... but its very obvious on reviews like this that you havent really done your homework... this is a disappointingly superficial review for a brilliant album
Jamooshoe 11 months ago
Ant, your reviews are usually quite accurate and do raise some valid criticisms.... but its very obvious on reviews like this that you havent really done your homework... this is a disappointingly superficial review for a brilliant album
Jamooshoe 11 months ago 6
Check out our cover !
Silane
silanemusic 11 months ago
It's melancolic and I can't think of an album better relateable than this. I think in some degree, everyone can relate to this album.
Turkelparkelton 1 year ago
High Violet is one of the most easily relatable albums I've heard in my entire life. It's cohesiveness and its consistency is WHY this album is a 10/10. Finally. A classically-influenced rock band has the guts to craft something flawless.
xRmillx 1 year ago
6/10 is above average.
theindiehipster 1 year ago
great review, you know your music very well.....understand where you come from about the drone sound to high violet, but have to admit one of the most underated bands
markyarsenal 1 year ago
bad review, man. the "sentiments" of high violet are easy to relate to. oh boy, social anxiety? not feeling like your life is fulfilling? those concepts are way over my head.
misterbuckethead 1 year ago 5
I thought this album got away from the attack that the national came with on earlier stuff from boxer and alligator. This is one of those albums much like turn on the bright light by interpol that I feel in tune with. An album to be listened to on repeat several times over. I also don't see the sorrow that everyone talks about with this album.To me the song writing tells not a story of sadness but a story of I have been in a bad way earlier in my life and im past that now. My favorite lp of 2010
Jiujitsugreg 1 year ago
In my experience, whenever I buy a new album I tend not to like every song right away. Maybe I pick out 5 or 6 that I like, and really listen to those ones a lot. But as I fall more and more in love with those few tracks, I am pulled into the rest of the album. And in the case of High Violet, I love being pulled into the "grey area." Sometimes sorrow can be felt so deep inside of you that nothing seems clear anymore, and maybe that's what they were going for.
DDball 1 year ago
I think this guy tried out to be Scott Devendorf's replacement and got rejected so now he's taking out his anger on High Violet. Just a hypothesis... but I'm about 90% certain.
stonedbeatle11 1 year ago
Best album they have made....Bryan D. is without a doubt the best rock drummer today. His talent is out of this world!!
txwindyrider 1 year ago
Get your facts straight it was recorded in a garage.
nscottreed 1 year ago
Too consistent for its own good!!!! This guy is a lot of crap. Honestly.... he sounds like he knows what he talking about but there is really no real insight.
vanc4297 1 year ago
@vanc4297 Uh, no, hes spot on. This album wears out its welcome because this band is very slow, most of their songs being of the somber variety. It is not unreasonable for someone to want to hear something upbeat after 10+ tracks of slow sad songs. Great albums (7+) should probably have a little more variety than this album, or this band for that matter, has. Are we done listening to entire albums worth of indie songs that are plain saddening? are indie artists really ready to grow up?
evanwestendorf 1 year ago
@evanwestendorf You've worn out YOUR welcome by saddening me. Grow up, buzzkill.
stonedbeatle11 1 year ago
I completely agree with every point you make in this. EVERY POINT.
that's odd.
AICDTTPT 1 year ago
man, youre so wrong about the drumming. it is highly unconventional and creative! the drummer is a genius! this is best album Ive heard in 2010!!
FrankyTanky1 1 year ago
This album is grey, because America is grey.
The National have got to be given credit for, if anything, their accurate picture of the current social landscape. Characters in The National songs aren't extraordinary or anymore unique than any random person on the street, but that's sort of the point. Maybe our society produces, in general, mediocre people.
Here's to The National reconnecting truth and art.
mjdepue 1 year ago 42
@mjdepue america great wtf
130leviatan 11 months ago
6/10? you meant 10/10?
MrWokMaster 1 year ago
This is easily my favourite album of 2010. A brilliantly reserved record that doesn't feel the need to show off, and a perfect reflection of middle class discontent.
I'm not saying I'm justified in being discontent with "middle-classness", but hell, at least its honest and it certainly speaks to me more than a lot of music out there.
mayer8356 1 year ago
honestly, this was album of the year for me. I haven't seen anything so cathartic, emotionally deep, or moving as this all year.
But hey dawg, it's all opinion
RobbyWithNoIE 1 year ago
6/10 this seems not objectiv...the magazins said its one of the best records in 2010
hexmanhex 1 year ago
I loved this album.
ZacharyAJackson 1 year ago
I agree with a lot of your points. For me, a great album would have more of their upbeat material as heard on Alligator to balance out the mud of this album.
matedog2 1 year ago
Lol, fanboys. Boxer was one of the greatest albums of the past decade for me, but to me this album still is really uneven, I skip almost half of the tracks on this, a problem I didn't have with the last three albums. Easily their least succesfull effort since Sad Songs for DIrty Lovers.
no7926 1 year ago
I disagree with this review. I am someone who suffers from a short attention span and struggle to listen to the second half of long albums or the last few on an average timed album but High Violet was so engaging for me that I really felt the emotion of every song.
mickaneso 1 year ago
Is there anything you DO like?
L0veepanicc 1 year ago
I'm a HUGE fan of this album, because of the meticulous songcraft and it's ability to speak to America's working class (which, today, extends to both cubicles and construction sites). This album is more detached than Boxer is, and I miss some of the warmth and intimacy that Boxer offered. Additionally, Matt sounds more frightened than world-weary on this new album, making him sound a little standoffish. High Violet doesn't top Boxer, but excited to see where the National will go next.
RunDownCars 1 year ago
need drop you are so wrong this is a great album maybe you should listen more and talk less
qwer8907 1 year ago
you are completely wrong about this album. flat out. i'm sorry i know opinion, opinion. but this record is simply phenomenal. how were you not brought to tears by some of these tracks?!?!?!
esteban57764 1 year ago
I disagree with this review. I think it failed to understand the spirit of the album.
aleskyblue 1 year ago
I never really thought of this album as being very somber. I guess I just never listen to uppity music. This stuff is more real.
Dave12815 1 year ago
High Violet was recorded in the studio they put together in Aaron Dessner's garage. In other words, In Brooklyn. Not Connecticut.
MarreFrusciante 1 year ago
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Dude, a review is never subjective
pesanze 1 year ago
Dude, a review is not subjective
pesanze 1 year ago
What about "England"? Best track on the album.
roythatcher 1 year ago
Agreed with almost everything you said, except for the overall score. I would give this a 9/10. When you were talking about the mushier moments, the last two tracks definitely came to mind, Those are the sleepiest numbers and take the longest time to grow on you, but after 10 or so listens to the album, I stopped skipping/zoning out of those tracks and began to like them as well. This is the best combination of strong melody, craftsmanship and cohesive style of any album I have heard this year.
proboardsregister 1 year ago
I really, really wanted to love this album. For me, It seems to be missing some of the elements that made The Boxer so special.
Indiecypherable79 1 year ago
6/10 ??? Dude this is probably the record of the year !!!!! One of the best record i hear for the last five years...
iRadioKid 1 year ago 68
@iRadioKid Nah The Suburbs and Congratulations ftw.
Mr11MUSICMAN 1 year ago
@iRadioKid Oops, that's an opinion.
EyeJustSkateboard 10 months ago
lol What's funny is I listened to this album before Vampire Weekend's Contra and I almost had a heart attack from the total change of mood. I went from ...gray... to COLORS! in no time. Arghhh. I do like this album, though. Even though it is very somber, it hits a warm spot in my heart where it took residence to stay. :)
MissMoogles 1 year ago
Very good review! I do think it's a great album, but with not TOO many great songs indeed. Only a few tracks that might reach the level of songs like Slow Show, Abel, Fake Empire, Apartment Story... and the tracks that you mention definitely do reach that level. I'm glad the broader public discovered them. Glad for them. They really deserve it after ten years.
Coproification 1 year ago
You should review Fang Islands debut!
rokkenroll 1 year ago
I really like this album, but there is too much of a mainstream Coldplay feel to their music that prevents me from really getting into it. Instrumentally, they have an excellent sound. Perhaps they're a bit too superficial... kind of like Interpol, who released a debut that was sonically rich but a bit too hipster otherwise.
MDJarv 1 year ago
@MDJarv
Coldplay? Mainstream? Superficial? Let me guess you hadn't heard of The National until only a few months ago right?
The National are not a new band. This is not their debut album.
allthewine 1 year ago
Say dawg... Do you ever think that The National's singer owes a lot of his sound to The Tindersticks? I can't help but call "thievery!" when I listen to the two bands back to back. Oh well, I just might be crazy.
jeffersonisleib 1 year ago
So you have something against them for not relating to lower middle class people? Go blow Bruce Springsteen.
And for lyrics that are somber and miserable, your right, Nirvana was shit because their lyrics were so downer. I realize you say its a good album but not great and I agree, but to have a problem with the album sounding like all the songs belong together. Listen to a mix CD made by your ex-closet boyfriend.
High Violet does not compare to their early work as every band/artist should grow.
finithewhop 1 year ago
You've got this american vulgar way to talk.
Bounadaire 1 year ago
All the arguments u r exposing here i agree but from the positive view. I think that the blurry grey atmosphere was a real aim for them and a lot of people like me enjoy that kind of feelings. I'm thinking on "the cure" album: "disintegration", a superb sad melancholic atmosphere. Thank you and sorry about my spaniard english. I'm waiting to see The National at Barcelona soon.
jordicobas 1 year ago
10/10 - This album is equally as engrossing and hypnotic as Boxer. It's the perfect backdrop to those lazy summer evenings spent at home with a bottle of wine or cognac. I love hearing these sorrowful tunes emanate throughout my empty house. I need sad songs for sad times b/c the last thing I want to hear when I'm feeling down and out is something uplifting. But in a way, it's also great make-out music - so go figure. I'm a sucker for reverb which each song is dripping with.
Metalgazer 1 year ago
9/10.
Music will live in my soul and this album will take a huge chunk of it.
JHF7217 1 year ago
I though High Violet was better than their debut, as well as Sad Songs.
But that's just me.
MoriKAshi 1 year ago
High Violet took me much longer to "get" than the previous albums, but I have grown to love it much more than any other album. The others had two or three songs I wanted to fast forward, but this one has zero bad songs, in my opinion. Flows perfectly.. LOVE IT!!! Unlike the Black Keys, they are getting better as they go.
sodaspin 1 year ago
@sodaspin That being said, if I was climbing Everest tomorrow, perhaps I would not put High Violet on the sony walkman for inspiration.
sodaspin 1 year ago
If you're gonna review records... Could you not be such a pretentious douche? It makes it hard to take you seriously.
Also,
It was mostly recorded in the Dessner's garage/studio... In New York...
Blues? Post-punk? Are you kidding me?
and if you took a note out of Eleanor Rigby... You probably would't notice.
ssrobinson8 1 year ago
6/10????
OMG
Parri13 1 year ago
Although I think your rating of a 6 is a little low, I think that you are spot on for this album being too consistent. It is a great album, but by the end I am almost drained because of the way the songs keep on getting more somber. I think they did a better job of mixing it up with Boxer.
twobit689 1 year ago
It's The National. You are supposed to listen to it, then listen to it again, ignore what your opinion at that moment is, then listen it again three times, and THEN be in love with the album.
YouToober0123 1 year ago
Hey dude great review, I know popular music ain't really your thing but could you review Brandon Flowers 'Flamingo' when it comes out, I just really would like to see that.
Oh and that 'for fans of' thing wad great, you should do more of that!
8bitprice 1 year ago
I absolutely agree with you're review (maybe cuz I'm also a HUGE Interpol fan). Usually after a few listens an album grows on me, but with this one, it just gets ridiculously repetitive. A lot of people say they love the drums/drummer but I think it's their biggest negative. I just saw them live too. After about 5 songs I wanted to bash my head in (Sorry, I HATE repetition in music. To me it shows no originality).
oproski 1 year ago
I thought it was almost like Coldplay, sentimental mould-fitting indie music for the masses, to accompany the ending credits of a future massive teenage vampire movie blockbuster. The last song is good for sounding more 70's than "thick 80's once-called-alternative-rock" rehash.
Neurozumim 1 year ago
"$80k a year but somethings not quite right".... I think you've just described ME
BriteWingz 1 year ago
10/10
DarkPassenger111 1 year ago
Funny how I stumbled upon this video rite after I took the time to listen to both Boxer and High Violet back to back. I deeply love both of them, but to me, HV was more solid. For my taste, the quality on Boxer was too varied, you'd get a REALLY great song, followed by a so-so song. On HV, it was smooth sailing right through. I love HV as one piece, but i love the song writing and genius of the better songs on Boxer more. Remove "Racing Like a Pro" and Boxer would've beaten HV in my books.
TheExplodingPanda 1 year ago
Jeeze, of all your videos this one seems to get some people's blood boiling hahaha.
Bulldog22031 1 year ago
No one gives a fuck what you think. Never touch another computer again undergraduate, dumb, ugly bastard.
RyanTheWest 1 year ago
thought it was okey 2, nothin mind blowinn!
rsfaan91 1 year ago
The failure to mention "Runaway" makes me sad. Despite the fact that it may seem to conform to the "mush" sound mentioned, I love how simple and solemn it is.
SenorSlopez 1 year ago
Turn on the Bright Lights is amazing. as well as this album and the National
KidASquared 1 year ago
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KidASquared 1 year ago
hey love the stuff man i subscribed, but i cant understand what is soo Amazing about the beatles albums (the only ones i really liked were abbey road and majical mystory tour) what im tryna say is can you just do a video review on the beatles albums explaining why they were so "amazing"
JayRocFly 1 year ago
Totally disagree with the mush part the album is a grower, as is all there albums especially alligator and Boxer...best album ive heard in the past two years.....
worldtraveler1985 1 year ago
Wow! Talk about over thinking it and taking the fun out of listening to music. I'd shoot myself if I looked this deep into every album I ever listend to. It boils down to whether you like it, love it, dislike it or hate it. Your review sounds so pretentious dude. As for me I think High Violet is better than Boxer, Aligator and The National. I'm still deciding whether I like it as much or more than Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers. Cherry Tree and the Virgina don't really count as albums I guess?
Hallucination 1 year ago
You're whole schtick is un-relatable, dude. You need to loosen up on your pretentiousness, and let down your hair. We understand that you're smart, you don't have to prove it that much.
molecman34 1 year ago
After about fifty listens or so I have to say that it's definitely as good as their earlier work. As you said, this band is really consistent. But you made it sound like it was a bad thing and to be honest, they aren't the one trick ponies they were on their first album. Every album has another kind of mood in my opinion. And still, I can listen to any of their albums and love it to death. If I really had to pick ONE it'd be alligator, but I feel like High Violet is going to trump it in time
BassVincent 1 year ago
@BassVincent Yeah, that's exactly how I feel
SirYacob 1 year ago
I didn't think this album was such a downer. Conversation 16 cracks my ass up whenever I hear it. They have their somber moments but it's not as gloomy as Interpol.
beornborg 1 year ago
I am among the fiercely positive reviewers. You mentioned that sort of relatability to their music, which is a big part of it. I felt that a bit more on Boxer, but in a way I'm enjoying the process of trying to figure out some of the songs that have come as a challenge for me, such as the first few and last few. Also, the baritone voice.
mborlan1 1 year ago
hipster faggot
Elmothefuzzle 1 year ago
how the heck are you able to review the album when it was just being released? dont you need to take some time out really dig into it?
imgordonfreeman 1 year ago
who is this fucking joker?????
Mate, how can you review or critique any album with your head so far up your ass?
And do you ever stop listening to your own piss ant voice long enough to listen to anything else??
1000YardStare 1 year ago
I bet you haven't been laid in a while.
Ebroglio2 1 year ago
Too cohesive? Hmmmm
YouLose0 1 year ago
Your fanboyism is wrong. It was mostly recorded in Brooklyn, actually in the garage behind Aaron Dessner's house.
alexs1422 1 year ago
Seriously, must you flounce your arms and hands around constantly?
nt54 1 year ago
do they pay this guy by the cliche?
cooperissuper 1 year ago
Great review. Although I don't agree with you, I can see where you're coming from. This is my favourite album since Funeral by Arcade Fire. But I think it depends highly where your mood is at. It's a great conversational album (for me anyway). I love the lyrics. Vague, but pithy at the same time. It ranks as my favourite National album to date and I never thought I'd say that after Boxer and Alligator before it. Sure it's a grower, but you have to want to give it that patience.
Quinnpie 1 year ago
I love Lemonworld, so i'll give High Violet a try.
Your channel deservs more attention. Keep the good work up.
Polskimg 1 year ago
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Quinnpie 1 year ago
I feel that the National took a completely different approach to HV compared to Boxer. I loved the Boxer as it was a much more accessible album than HV but I don't think HV deserves a strong six
Personally I feel that if an album makes a lasting impression on you it's because that album is a "grower," and songs that at first a listener didn't find appealing will later come to love them, HV is that album. This album has been my favorite album since In Rainbows and I think it was nearly flawless.
InterpolAntics3012 1 year ago
i've been watching live performances of bloodbuzz ohio, and terrible love, as well as older tracks like Lit Up...etc...I think the National sounds better live, which is saying a lot. There are a lot of bands out there that sound like sh**t live. For example, look at some of the National's performances on Letterman recently, and some on Jools Holland show... they know how to play live.
jacobywankenobi 1 year ago
nothing to say... just fuck you!
TheNimasan 1 year ago
I have to agree with you entirely on your final point re: the 'consistency' problem. This issue has always been my problem with The National and (I'll stick my neck out) Interpol to a somewhat lesser degree. If I'm not actively LISTENING to these albums with the intent of picking out their intricacies, I find the whole thing has gone by and I barely noticed. It is an entirely personal perspective, I know, but the ability to catch my attention and MAKE me listen to a track is fairly important.
jbfwinning 1 year ago
Whoa sorry for the partially negative comments, but I'd have to agree with you for the most part, the gray mushy less-memorable tracks are not so much filler as they are just sad and boring supporting cast... Basically the last half of the album picks it up and then reminds you to start it over again. I saw them a few times live this weekend, including with an intimate 100 person crowd, and honestly I thought it would be a sapshow cryfest, but I walked away rocked by they're updown booze rock.
heyheyheyking 1 year ago
I personally loved the album, it's more than up to par with Boxer (I never really dug Alligator), although it needed two or three listens for me to really get into it. But I thought the production of Terrible love, a very strong track, was quite peculiar. Almost like it wasn't finished. But throughout it was a brilliant album in my opinion, 9/10.
HolyMexicanBurrito 1 year ago
At the start of the review i really didn't like where it was going, and towards the end i don't either... But hey somewhere in between 2:00 3:00 you really started to hit on some good stuff...
To agree with @Dyllholio whole heartily with the Growers idea. The tracks which you start off disliking will end up your favorites by the end of the albums life. Think the albums probably one of the better once we'll see all year.
GriffenFargo12345 1 year ago
One of the best of the year soo far but doesn't live up to the standards of "Boxer" which is one of the best of the past decade for me
JRainey749 1 year ago
joy division soundalikes thats the national totally unorginal band
qwer8907 1 year ago
never heard of them the singer sounds depressed i guess they not a pop group
qwer8907 1 year ago
you clearly are not familiar with any of the National's previous work.
bleach2470 1 year ago
I think this album gets punished for being out of step with contemporary trends. In this era, to get the thumbs-up of the hipsters, you almost HAVE to be willfully obscure (Flying Lotus, Pantha Du Prince, Girls, etc), and full-on darkness has gone out of fad to playfulness (Sleigh Bells, LCD Soundsystem, etc). This album is a straightforward dark blue masterpiece, in an era where people's tolerance for straightforward and dark blue are low. It will outlive it's peers in respect.
slitheringinterstate 1 year ago
Turn on the Bright Lights is so great.
KidASquared 1 year ago
Thats a fair review. I love the National and frankly love this album, but fair play because there are a couple of lethargic tracks on there. It's an 8 for me, where Boxer was a 9 and Alligator was a straight 10.
mattyboycool 1 year ago
I think it has to do with my love of Joy Division & Radiohead... this album owns me. Not enough bands understand how to make "sad" records, The National does.
PukingWithLaughter 1 year ago
Its still growing on me, even the songs that didn't seem very complete with the first few listens have got stuck in my head; Alligator took months of going back to before it really worked its magic and thats one of the best indie rock records of 2005. Im confident these new songs will sound fantastic live and for many bands thats not always as sure a thing.
TheFingerbang1 1 year ago
@TheFingerbang1 Well, I just listened to them playing Afraid of Everyone on Letterman and it was indeed fantastic! I have no doubt the live versions will work wonders in regards to most of the tracks on the LP ^^ Agree on Alligator, too, it was the quintessential grower for me. HV has actually been relatively easy to get into, and now, after five listens, there is nary a track I don't like on it. A comfortable 9 in my books :D
Fritha71 1 year ago
I've been a National fan for about 3 or 4 years and own and listened to every album and EP. I 100% agree with you on the idea that the album turns into a little bit of a gray area for some of the songs, and gets little old and mushy. I definitely think that Boxer was a much better album with much more variation and had simple songs like "racing like a pro" that made me fall in love with that album. I enjoy High violet alot but it hasn't struck me yet like Boxer or Sad Song for Dirty Lovers has.
hullo222 1 year ago
I'd give it a little higher...maybe a mid 7. Terrible Love drew me into the album to begin with.
Wilcox2727 1 year ago
I became of a fan of the national last year after seeing them live and I think this is definitely the best album they've put out although I think some of the songs such as Terrible Love could've been so much better. Terrible Love sounds amazing when performed live but on the album it just seems to muddy and the drums don't come through the sound of the guitars enough like they do live. But my favorite tracks are definitely Bloodbuzz ohio, anyone's ghost and England.
baseball8722 1 year ago
you sound really just pretentious.
The National's albums are considered growers, and upon first listen I love High Violet already, so given time to grow who knows what I'll think.
Dyllholio 1 year ago
@Dyllholio Well I guess sounding pretentious and being pretentious are two different things, then, because I believe you're entitled to your opinion. You're going to like what you're going to like, and I'm going to like what I like. It's subjective. All I'm doing it just offering another point of view and whatnot. *shrugs*
theneedledrop 1 year ago 21
@theneedledrop for sure a fair review of the album. i'm personally a big fan of this record but i can see where you are coming from.
amurray02 1 year ago
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@theneedledrop true, music is subjective. end of story
KidASquared 1 year ago
@Dyllholio How exactly does he sound he sound pretentious? He presents his opinions and the way he himself feels about the album in a very organized and thought out manner. He tries to prompt thoughtful discussion about the album and he's completely ok with people disagreeing with him as long as they're not douchebags about it.
24JF9 1 year ago
@Dyllholio
I am not sure pretentious is the word. I just feel that there is a contradiction between Fantano's way of presenting his reviews and the sincerity that I believe is the core of most of the music he is reviewing. Just a bit less Eminem and a bit more Vincent Moon, Anthony ;)
bernoulli01 1 year ago
This is the first material I have heard of The National, and I just got the album last night from iTunes, and I have to say they sound so satisfyingly mature here. A lot of the songs have similar song structures, but I guess thats what makes it a cohesive album, prioritizing build up rather than immediacy. I probably heard Sorrow for the 15th time just today itself. Other top songs- England, Conversation 16, Afraid of Everyone, Anyone's Ghost. 8/10
jeetsmuse 1 year ago
Not as good as Boxer I don't think... But still, I haven't listened to it enough yet. National albums deserve time to grow.
VideosForWombat 1 year ago
Anthony, while my personal score for the album would probably be a strong 8, I still thought your review was excellent and I agree with nearly all of your points.
One reason why I might have felt more positively about the album is that Berringer's lyrics have consistently resonated with me. Even as a younger male, I find the struggles he presents still have a lot in common with my lifestyle, and his storytelling is the main reason I fell in love with "Boxer".
Azurewraith92 1 year ago
Anthony, while my personal score for this album would probably be a strong 8, I still thought your review was excellent, and I agree with nearly all the points you made.
One reason why I might have felt more positively about the album overall is that Matt's lyrics consistently resonate with me, even on some of the songs on the album that aren't as hard hitting. His storytelling on "Boxer" made me fall in love with the band, and I still consider it be one of my favorite albums of all time.
Azurewraith92 1 year ago
I'm actually really digging it. Great follow up.
standingonair777 1 year ago
yea!! connecticut!! I'm from wallingford
joslin01 1 year ago
I don't get yr "white collar" argument. To me the national have always seemed a bit working class. Working class and elegant aren't mutually exclusive terms in my opinion. The frustrations of having tastes that exceed yr socioeconomic class.
mandomtz 1 year ago 4
@mandomtz Well, like I said in the video, I'm half joking.
theneedledrop 1 year ago 2
I've been a mild National fan ever since Alligator. There are songs that I absolutely adore from their previous records so I was really anticipating High Violet. I've listened to it a couple times and it's a good album with some great tracks, but I felt the songs were a little muddy in production, like Terrible Love, and the consistent somber tone of it made the album drag a little bit. I like the album as a whole however and need to REALLY listen to the whole album some more.
popkornchken 1 year ago
did you start posting comments on hipsterrunoff? lol
obligatorynagger 1 year ago
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Strong album from a great band. Not as good as Boxer, imo. But one of the better albums of the year so far. Behind Teen Dream, and right alongside Contra, and Plastic Beach.
johnnykleen 1 year ago
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Strong album from a great band. Not as good as Boxer, imo. But one of the better albums of the year so far. Behind Teen Dream, and right alongside Contra, and Plastic Beach.
johnnykleen 1 year ago
Strong album from a great band. Not as good as Boxer, imo. But one of the better albums of the year so far. Behind Teen Dream, and right alongside Contra, and Plastic Beach.
johnnykleen 1 year ago
Strong album from a great band. Not as good as Boxer, imo. But one of the better albums of the year so far. Behind Teen Dream, and right alongside Contra, and Plastic Beach.
johnnykleen 1 year ago
loved the album :)
jgil1967 1 year ago
Loved the album :)
jgil1967 1 year ago
Did you start posting comments on hipsterrunoff? lol
obligatorynagger 1 year ago
Pretty good but Alligator is still one of my favorite albums from start-finish. Don't even bother w/ the skip button on the Cherry Tree Ep either. I definitely would recommend Boxer or any of the above mentioned over High Violet to someone just discovering the band. Still a Great live act & maybe these new songs will sound a lot better in a concert setting. One of the best live shows I own.
MrEpiclylaterd 1 year ago
Dug your review, but your "white collar" description is a bit lazy. That element was present in Boxer, but not nearly as much so on this one. The themes on HV don't relate to socioeconomic class. It is, however, still a very "personal" record, meaning half of the masses won't ever get it. I kind of feel sorry for that half. In general, I really like your reviews. They're honest with substance, which is more than half of the e-tards do on their blogs or whatever.
equestion 1 year ago
HAHA no intro music?
DariusDaGreat86 1 year ago
I've read a lot of hype on this album, and even NME gave it a 8/10. But I've learnt a valuable lesson. DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE!
I think it's really disappointing and says nothing to me about my life.
4/10.
InevitableEvo 1 year ago
@InevitableEvo boooo that smells. it says your gay about your life
mfev23 1 year ago
Yeah, I could've used a lot more drums in the mix, they are the heart of this band, as opposed to the swirling guitars that go pretty much nowhere on every track (even though that's kind of the point). It's hard to get super excited about a band whose whole purpose is basically stagnation, and I think a fair amount of people misunderstand what this band is about. I don't really get the hype or the hate for this band. Also, great vocals, and no one does this sound better. Overall, I dig.
CarrotBallSquash 1 year ago