Finding that rarified and hallowed space between cerebral and elegant rock melodies, dark, dramatic tension and the occasional outburst of explosive power, New York's midwest transplants The National have almost single-handedly raised the bar on what a contemporary and artful indie band can accomplish. The two sets of instrumentally gifted brothers -- Aaron and Bryce Dessner , Scott and Bryan Devendorf -- along with frontman /lyricist Matt Berninger , with his distinctive, somber baritone, have created some of the most lavishly praised albums of the [...]

A radio rip version of "Bloodbuzz Ohio", the new single from The National's upcoming album High Violet (5/11), was floating/pouring around the web yesterday and in an effort for you to actually hear a good version, the band offered it up as a free download: The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio (MP3) Everything I've heard from this album so far is awwwwesome. I was a huge fan of Alligator and, being a fanboy, enjoyed Boxer quite a bit, but always found it to be a [...]
Just before they were announced on this year's Electric Picnic bill, The National debuted a new song on BBC 6 Music today, and it's now doing the rounds in cyberspace. Hear Bloodbuzz Ohio here Check out the Brooklyn indie rockers on a recent appearance on US TV: Random Posts St. Vincent - Actor Graham Hopkins leaves Boss Volenti Thu 2nd Apr - Sharon Shannon - [...]
With my spring vacation rolling in and the music blogo-sphere blowing up with everything SXSW , I decided to take a much anticipated week away from Bears and Bullets . I did so without informing anyone, yes, but I felt it was an unspoken agreement. So, getting back into the groove of things (with a severe lack of anything good to report), I wanted to post The National 's performance of "Terrible Love," from the group's upcoming May album High Violet on Late Night with Jimmy [...]
The National performing Terrible Love on the Jimmy Fallon show. The band are looking lean and focussed and the guitars are wired and I love the brass. www.highwayfive.blogspot.com

I don't really ever watch late night tv, the whole Conon vs Jay thing kinda annoyed me, cuz seriously Letterman is the only one worth watching. I didn't even know Jimmy Fallon had a show, guess its on late late night or whatever. Seems like the only thing that is worth watching on his show has been the music acts he has been booking, I saw a video of Joanna Newsom on his show (which was kinda lackluster) but this performance by The National is fucking amazing. The song Terrible Love has got me so [...]

The National ( http://www.americanmary.com/ ) is one of my absolute favorite bands so as any obsessive music junkie who loves a band as much as I love them, I am counting down the days to their highly anticipated new release, "High Violet" , out May 10 (UK), May 11 (everywhere) . In the last year, the band has played new material to hungry crowds all over the world and from all that I have heard and seen in the videos, this album is to be of no disappointment after the [...]
Mar 18, 2010, 5:54pm
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The National haben vor einer Woche eine erste Live-Kostprobe ihres neuen Albums "Hight Violet" gegeben. Und die wirkt ziemlich überzeugend. "Terrible Love" heisst der Song, den sie bei Jimmy Fallon zum ersten Mal gespielt haben. Ein Hammertrack mit einem musikalischen Steigerungslauf, der durch mehrere Gäsnehaut-Momente glänzt. Die Platte erscheint am 11. Mai.
The National High Violet - (Worldwide - May 11, 2010) 4AD Records Indie Rock/Post-Punk The National premièred Terrible Love on Jimmy Fallon last week, and it has to be said, if the lead single is any indication of what's to come when High Violet drops in May; we've got a serious contender for album of the year on our hands. The National just don't seem to get it wrong - and with three years [...]

It's been a while. Only a little more here. ( High Violet will be out 5/11/10 via 4AD Records) [...]

Following The National 's previous two instant classics, "Alligator" and "Boxer", the Cincinnati five piece will release their fifth studio full length titled "High Violet" on May 10th via 4AD. I know a lot of you are very curious, and anxious alike, to have listen to the new material, so I managed to find this great performance of High Violet's opening track "Terrible Love" played by The National live just a few days ago on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
So if you haven't heard, The National are set to drop there new LP, High Violet , on May 11th through 4AD . If any concerns of a dropoff, after their two previous LPs, Alligator and The Boxer exist, their recent performance of Terrible Love on Jimmy Fallon should put them to rest... High Violet [...]
Did you miss me? I was away for a few days on non-blog related business (the day job beckons and I have to respond) and i didn't have anything prepared for you to enjoy in my absence, but that just means I can legitimately re-set my musical musings and find you something new and exciting. The inbox is bursting at the seams, so while I try and sort through it I'll borrow a pair of postings from my friends Stranger Dance and JP's Blog , who both featured the debut performance of "Terrible Love", the [...]

Time for the songs and video of the day! We have a pretty interesting mix for all of you today. Two - The Antlers ...I know that we've covered The Antlers a lot lately, but this is one song I just can't get out of my head...soo good. Darker Days - AM Excuses - [...]
More gems and finds from down in the Society , Seabear, The National, Salomon, Jonsi, and yep, Lady fucking Gaga. Cheers!

Considering I know you guys don't read any other music publication besides Knox Road, you might be asking, "Hey, Jon, what's going on with those guys in The National?" Well, so much is going on with those guys in The National! We just haven't covered it. So now it's time for a supermegapost of information. About The National. First and most importantly, if you've been living under some sort of indie rock, the band will be releasing their fourth full-length, High Violet , on May 11. Cover art's above. Oh, and hey, courtesy of Pitchfork , [...]
I'm a day late on this but, oh well. The National have a new album out called High Violet on May 11. They debuted first single, "Terrible Love" a couple nights ago on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon . It's freakin' awesome. There's an emotional openness in Matt Berninger's voice that is downright spine-tingling, I especially love the lines "it takes a lot to settle down" and "it takes an ocean not to break". The crescendo and climax are absolutely breathtaking. This song will be getting many, many plays from me this year. Until the [...]

Yawn . Alright, I'm feeling a little like I want guitars to be the theme of this edition of Late Night Sounds. For all of you all who love the strings and those types of things, I think this week's batch is right up your alley. An eclectic bunch of strummers round out the selections of late-night sets, so even though you could have stayed up yourself and watched these, it's okay that you waited for me to do the grunt work for you. Enjoy! Lady Antebellum - The Late Show [...]
The National debuted the first song from their highly anticipated album "High Violet" on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon". This record is awesome.