The National - Sleep Well Beast (September 8, 2017) Album • Page 18

I listened to the two singles they released and watched the live video for Nobody Else Will Be There (which is favorite of the three.)

 

Those new songs are so good. Pre-ordering this for sure.

Also, for those of you who were watching/listening to them play new songs over the last year or so... (spoiler tagging in case nobody wants to listen to the songs yet) Checking Out Of A Collapsing Room/Roman Candle is now Walk It Back

 

I watched all of them and don't regret it. Just go ahead and preorder.

 

I'm convinced that "Pink Rabbits" is one of the greatest songs ever written. Stick it right up there with "The Trapeze Swinger".

 

Fuck you internet I will not watch those videos

 

And yea, this is one of the most absurdly long album rollouts ever. I think they did it for Trouble too.

 

...just listen to Boxer fron to back.

 

if you were to make a 12 song album based on b-sides/non album tracks what would it look like? im curious im trying to make one myself that flows well

 

wow. after listening to all these new tracks this might be my new aoty

 

UK people:

I've got a Saturday ticket for Manchester but could really do with swapping it for a Friday one as I've got to go to a fucking wedding that I can't skip out on.

Can anyone help?

 

I watched Mistaken For Strangers last night and it was really good and also quite sad. I highly recommend it if you are a fan of this band and haven't watched it yet.

 

Where do I start with this band going to try to get into them

 

You can't go wrong with any of their last four albums. I started with Trouble Will Find Me back in 2013 and that one is my favorite, but you'll get a lot of different answers between that, High Violet, Boxer, and Alligator.

 

i think boxer is the best starting point, kinda prepares you to go backwards or forwards

 

Boxer was my entry point, but honestly you should be fine with any of Alligator, Boxer, High Violet, or Trouble Will Find Me. It's all gold.

 

I had all their albums on my laptop for a while before I got into them. Couldn't get used to Matt's voice for a long time. Fireproof came on shuffle one day though, and it just clicked for me. The melody is simple and gorgeous, and I fell in love instantly. Listened to Trouble Will Find Me, I liked it but it was a grower. However, my best friend's favourite National album is High Violet so I listened and I was obsessed with it. High Violet is still my favourite on every level. Any album with Lemonworld on it is special, haha. Also can't deny the beautiful last 3 songs! Man, I love High Violet. Alligator still hasn't clicked for me... But I don't mind taking my time. Wonderful, beautiful band.

Sorry for the ramble hahaha

 

I don't think High Violet is a good entry point at all. It's one of those I learned to appreciate later on. I mean, that middle third can really drag.

 

Boxer

 

Alligator.

 

Boxer

 

I think TWFM is the most accessible album for first-time listeners, no question.

 

High Violet is the National's arena rock album, in a good way. My favorites are Alligator and Trouble Will Find Me, though.

 

Apparently I don't know what arena rock is.

Also, just start with Sad Songs and work your way through. There's no wrong answer here and they're all great but Sad Songs is clearly the start for them so I think it's good both to get a feel for their natural progression but also because you'll never ever wonder if something is your favorite because you heard it first.

 

See, I think about making a list of songs for them to listen to and end up with "listen to everything but don't prioritize Heavenfaced, Anyone's Ghost, and Thirsty."

They've released three okay songs in 14 years. This is hard haha.

 

Man I love Anyone's Ghost, I am offended haha, but I can see where you're coming from