solace Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 from this month's Uncut, there's a brief interview w/ Aaron, new album is due in May: The NationalTitle: TBCLabel: Beggars BanquetRelease Date: May 2010 The band «push things to epic places» on the follow-up to 2007 breakthrough Boxer. «We've been working on a National record since last Winter and non stop since April when we haven't had shows to do. We built a recording studio in our garage. It's quite a shock because it all looks terrible from the outside but very modern on the inside. As a band we're constantly making things then destroying them and redoing them. Normally that's difficult to do in a studio you're paying for. But now we can do that ad nauseam without worrying about getting penalized. We've recorded 17 songs and we'll end up wittling them down from there. The new album is much more ambitious than anything we've ever done. We've never pushed things to an epic place before because it's never felt quite right. But there are a few songs on this record that do that: songs with bigger dynamic that lend themselves more to the way we play live. There's more experimentation too. We're getting away from simple, organic sounds. Matt's also singing on this one, rather than murmuring. His range has improved, exploring ways in which his voice can work, but he's also found some melodies that are just amazing. He's really singing it out and going to places on this one. Boxer was more meditative but this one goes to different levels. It's definitely more dynamic. One of the new songs is called Crumhorn, which I took from a Bob Dylan lyric, but Matt will probably change the title at some point. There are also ones called Bloodbuzz, Vanderlyle and Runaway. We have some ideas for album titles, but haven't decided yet». Quote Link to post Share on other sites
myboyblue Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 Well, it's about time. Here's to early leak. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Calexico Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 As Monty Burns says...EXCELLENT. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beltmann Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 This sounds fantastic. Can't wait. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
radiokills Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 woo Quote Link to post Share on other sites
loveissucide Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx7hJ91TpPE My feelings on the matter. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Oil Can Boyd Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 And some tour dates: MARCH26-28 MARCH: KNOXVILLE, TN - BIG EARS FESTIVAL 2010 / TENNESSEE THEATRE // Tickets APRIL22 APRIL: RICHMOND, VA - THE NATIONAL // Pre-Sale Tickets**23 APRIL: RICHMOND, VA - THE NATIONAL // Pre-Sale Tickets** MAY06 MAY: LONDON, UK - ROYAL ALBERT HALL // Pre-Sale Tickets**07 MAY: PARIS, FRANCE - LE ZENITH w/ PAVEMENT // FNAC / Digitick09 MAY: BERLIN, GERMANY - ASTRA // Pre-Sale Tickets**22 MAY: LOS ANGELES, CA - THE WILTERN // Pre-Sale Tickets**23 MAY: SAN DIEGO, CA - SPRECKELS THEATRE // Pre-Sale Tickets**27 MAY: OAKLAND, CA - FOX THEATRE // Pre-Sale Tickets** JUNE02 JUNE: BOSTON, MA - HOUSE OF BLUES // Pre-Sale Tickets**05 JUNE: PHILADELPHIA, PA - ELECTRIC FACTORY // Pre-Sale Tickets**06 JUNE: WASHINGTON, DC - DAR CONSTITUTION HALL // Pre-Sale Tickets**08 JUNE: TORONTO, CANADA - MASSEY HALL // Pre-Sale Tickets**16 JUNE: NEW YORK, NY - RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL // Pre-Sale Tickets** Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimmyjimmy Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 And some tour dates:APRIL22 APRIL: RICHMOND, VA - THE NATIONAL // Pre-Sale Tickets**23 APRIL: RICHMOND, VA - THE NATIONAL // Pre-Sale Tickets** *Yay* Psst... Tix for these two dates go on sale tomorrow morning EST @ 10:00 AM via Ticketmaster.Good hunting folks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Synthesizer Patel Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 Epic, to me, sounds bad, but they've never done anything bad so far - so I'll take their word for it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Killer Whales Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 A friend of mine (ha ha ha) is actually interning at the studio in CT where they're currently mixing the album. I was actually surprised that they were planning on releasing it this soon since, as far as my knowledge goes, they're still mixing, retracking, and doing overdubs, let alone mastering and doing artwork. I've heard it's going to be pretty good though! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
solace Posted February 16, 2010 Author Share Posted February 16, 2010 due May 11th http://www.rollingst...ow-up-to-boxer/ In the Studio: The National Get Loud on Follow-Up to “Boxer”2/16/10, 2:43 pm ESTPhotograph by Sylvere H. When Brooklyn baroque-pop group the National released Boxer in 2007, it was a left-field critical and commercial success that helped them score them an opening slot for R.E.M. Even Barack Obama used the stately piano ballad “Fake Empire” on his campaign trail the following year. Three years later, the National are putting the finishing touches on their anticipated follow-up, logging marathon days mixing tracks at a studio in Bridgeport, Connecticut. “We’re finishing all the songs in this sort of run-down Victorian house,” says guitarist Aaron Dessner. “The mixing is really important part of the process — we tend to really edit ourselves heavily.” Dessner says the still-untitled album (due May 11th) has “a darker and meaner” vibe than previous efforts but that it is also “catchier and more of a pop record,” referring to tracks like propulsive guitar-powered rocker “Blood Buzz, Ohio” and the orchestral anthem “L.A. Cathedral.” Berninger, who punctuates National songs with his transfixing, Leonard Cohen-style baritone, also returns to screaming in a similar manner as early National rockers like “Abel.” “Our last album was more restrained and this is definitely a louder record,” says Dessner. Still, Boxer fans will find plenty to like too, especially on tracks like “Runaway.” “It’s the most understated, spacious song on the album,” says Dessner. “It’s the only one of its kind, as far as a ballad.” Other cuts, like “Little Space,” revolve around guitar loops and double bass. “That’s a new thing in our music,” says Dessner. For the new record, the group also rallied a crew of their musician pals to contribute vocals, including Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. “We never thought of it as getting special guest stars or anything,” says Dessner. “It’s more like our friends coming through for us.” The National — Dessner and his brother Bryce; brothers Scott and Bryan Devendorf and Berninger — are perfectionists when it comes to recording in the studio and Aaron admits that bandmates don’t always agree creatively. “We’re really critical of ourselves,” he says. “And we spend a lot of time destroying and re-recording tracks.” Still, he knows that the hard work and frustration pays off. “We’re making huge strides every day,” he says. “We’re all about making the record better.” Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OOO Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 this is definitely my #1 most anticipated album of the year now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TCP Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 I hope it's less like The Boxer and more like their selection from Dark Was The Night. That's a really, really, good song. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
drop dead ed Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I wish they'd go back to Texas. I really wanted to see them and I can't believe I missed it at FUN FUN FUN Fest! argh Quote Link to post Share on other sites
renic Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 all of this is good news!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cooperissup3r Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I hope it's less like The Boxer and more like their selection from Dark Was The Night. That's a really, really, good song. it's all about Gospel, man. Gospel is the key track off of Boxer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
solace Posted March 5, 2010 Author Share Posted March 5, 2010 the album is called 'High Violet' http://www.highviolet.com/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HeWasNotRed Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 Wait, is this true? Yes, it is. That website is legit, pretty sweet album name. So excited for this; now a new Wilco album would make this a day of perfection =D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beltmann Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 FYI: The National is scheduled to play on Jimmy Fallon's show tonight, Wednesday 3-10. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wilceaux Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 Thanks for the heads up, Beltmann! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
solace Posted March 11, 2010 Author Share Posted March 11, 2010 High Violet artwork: Watch them play the album opener 'Terrible Love' on Fallon: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2010/03/the-national-debuts-terrible-love/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
trevor Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 i hadn't been this excited for a late night performance in probably years, and my god did it deliver. the sound quality isn't great, but, i mean, if this is the lead-off track on the new album like fallon indeed says it its, then this is going to be a HELL of an album. which is good, because my expectations for this thing are beyond massive. on the highviolet website, they've got a couple whiteboards with a couple different tracklists. so maybe they haven't decided yet? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tennisclay Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 after my 3rd listen its great. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CortezTheKiller Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 Very, very cool. Another "builder" from the boys. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MattZ Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 wow, awesome. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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