Customer Reviews

Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this because of a blurb on the cover of the CD. Just an impulse buy. Boy, was I glad I did. While being totally their own animal, The National combine some of the best elements of the Tindersticks with a less laid-back sound and traces of Nick Cave and others. Songs like "Slipping Husband," with its frequent mood changes, are brilliant

Got this one because it was picked as an album of the year in Magnet and Uncut. The album goes to a lot of different places sonically and emotionally, but all the tunes are beautifully wrought. Perfect if you like Leonard Cohen, Joy Division, Nick Cave.....

I read the great feature on these guys in the Fader and ordered the album. It is totally unbelievable how great this album is --- I will be very surprised if the National does not blow up --- or at least become a major cult band like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds or the Tindersticks. Songs like Thirsty, which starts off incredibly restrained but gradually grows richer sonically and ends with an absolutely brilliant string arrangement, just blow me away. Where did these guys come from? What I like most about this music is that it is smart and ambitious and hip without sounding overly contrived or image conscious. It seems to me that the National is not trying to sound like anyone or any particular genre (unlike most bands today). I get the feeling they are just making music as it comes to them -- without any thought to defining "a sound" that is easily marketed. The album ranges from stripped down traditional folk sounding tunes like 90 Mile Water Wall --- which seems inspired by almost any track of Bob Dylan's Desire --- to raging rockers like Murder Me Rachael and Available --- which seem to take their cues from Joy Division and even U2 --- to intricate electronic and acoustic arrangements like Patterns of Fairytales and Cardinal Song which seem almost entirely original to my ears.....very restrained, intelligent, plaintive vocal performances combined with subtle electronic percussion and intricate, almost classical guitar/keyboard/bass/string arrangements. It will be very interesting to see where this band goes --- there is a huge amount of talent and genuine songwriting here.

I had not heard of this group. It could have been amazon that recommended this due to my previous purchases. I love it! I am an instant fan. I cannot praise this group highly enough. Yes they are human, and yes there are flaws, but that makes it/them all the more wonderful. Shades of Cohen and new views.

There is hope for music. Thank you very much.

The Cd's arrived in great time- but all 3 of the cases were cracked/broken-- perhaps more than just a bubble wrap envelope?

I couldn't believe it when I discovered this album. It's so rare for an almost totally unheralded band to come up with such a powerful statement. Out of nowhere... They remind me of an American version of Pulp or the Tindersticks...or a modern rock band in the tradition of Wilco or Interpol. You will be blown away by this record, no question.

"90 Mile Waterwall" is the BEST new song - these guys are loaded with talent. Europe loves 'em - so do we!

I saw The National open for The Walkmen in Philly and they had this really nice hard edge to them. However, after their rockin live show I was a little disappointed with the CD. Most of the songs here are slow with poor lyrics (except 90 Mile Water Wall). How many songs do I need about Pretty girls/Pretty Boys and Wives? None, maybe. The only song that compares with the live stuff is Available. If they put out an entire album like that song I would be a huge fan because they are talented. Until then, they are just Ok.