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Album Details

• Artist: The National
• Album: Alligator
• Label: Beggars
• Year of Release: 2005
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2005-08-23

Are you one who likes Nick Cave but thinks his songs and subject matter are a little dark? Well The National might appeal to you. Vocalist Matt Berninger leads this rock band, originally from Ohio but relocated to New York. I find the songs on Alligator, this reviewer's first glimpse into the Nation, very charismatic, even without the hooks and general melodies that I find most appealing. No hooks might be a bit over-dramatic because there are a few songs that incorporate them quite nicely but on tracks like "Val Jester", a track that has a lot in common with that of the Tindersticks. It is most likely Matt's deep baritone voice that keeps me thinking of Nick Cave. But the music has a lot more pop incorporated. I even think of earlier U2 on "All The Wine", U2 with Nick singing. My favorite thing about Alligator is that it keeps you guessing. "Abel" starts out like one of the best Pixies songs you have never heard. Most of the songs are almost immediately rewarding making this an easy first listen. But then as more layers are revealed an even greater charm is revealed. Take "The Geese of Beverly Road" for instance. Every listen makes the song grow on you that much more. The National is obviously ready for more exposure with a very polished album and a new record deal with Beggars Banquet. They've got the goods.

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