The National

[DaveElNino]

Nah, it makes me a good judge.

Irrespective of whether they are any good at all, they shouldn't be placed where they are purely on their total lack of popularity (probably because they're shit).

[harderfaster]

I WON'T F**K US OVER I'M MR NOVEMBER I'M MR NOVEMBER I WON'T F**K US OVER.

yeah, they're gonna blow away all the doubters.

Edited March 22, 2011 by harderfaster

[Vanderlyle]

Nah, it makes me a good judge.

Irrespective of whether they are any good at all, they shouldn't be placed where they are purely on their total lack of popularity (probably because they're shit).

[Vanderlyle]

Can't wait to see these guys, one of my favourite bands. Was so happy to see them in the lineup after it looked unlike that they'd be playing due to already headlining latitude.

For anyone that hasn't listened to them, get 'Alligator' and 'Boxer'. I remember when i first listened to them a couple of times and didn't think it was anything special, but then suddenly it clicked.

[dannyv18]

with these playing 3rd this year theyll probs headline in 2 years... i dont know them... im gonna listen to them upto the fest ... give them a watch guys bet these are a headline in the future! just like AF

[Bahn]

to be honest they could have headlined Reading. why not?

when arcade fire headlined last year some thought they were unworthy and they won the Grammys (which isn't a big deal)

and they performed one of the most memorable headlining slot (IMO)

if they had headlined, they would be regarded as one of the best books reading had done by next year.

i doubt if anyone's gonna be talking about MCR by next year but... i could be wrong. who knows?

i probably won't see them anyway. high hopes for lock up.

[fat_man_joe]

I can't really see them headlining personally. Arcade Fire have always had the sound, similar to Elbow, which could pull a headline audience and satisfy even those not into that sort of music. I can't see the National ever getting big enough to headline, but who knows their sound could develop.

I could see them headlining the NME tent in a few years though if the next album goes well (and follow the AF route of bringing out another 5* album after their original propulsion to the forefront of their genre).

[Vanderlyle]

I can't really see them headlining personally. Arcade Fire have always had the sound, similar to Elbow, which could pull a headline audience and satisfy even those not into that sort of music. I can't see the National ever getting big enough to headline, but who knows their sound could develop.

I could see them headlining the NME tent in a few years though if the next album goes well (and follow the AF route of bringing out another 5* album after their original propulsion to the forefront of their genre).

[Vanderlyle]

I think this is a decent YT playlist to start getting into them...

[Clemo]

After reading through this thread last night I thought it would only be fair to give them a chance, already loving Bloodbuzz Ohio & can see the other albums growing on me up until Reading (much like Arcade Fire last year) and culminating in them being one of the bands I want to see most by the time the festival starts.

[Vanderlyle]

Bump.

Everyone needs to fall in love.

[kaosmark2]

Well you are clearly not a good judge. Even if they're not your cup of tea, anyone with a touch of taste can see they're the best at what they do right now.

And the lack of popularity thing is just b/s. They are headlining Latitude, they are playing high up in festivals throughout Europe, they sold out successive nights at Brixton, they were in virtually all of the 'top 5 albums of 2010' lists (3rd in that 'aggregated' list I saw somewhere').

But yeah, maybe no need to come onto a thread about a band you've never listened to and make vacuous remarks.

[harderfaster]

this performance got me into the band. had barely heard of them before this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpNA2XB4PB8&feature=related

enjoy.

[mattl]

Absolutely fantastic band, cannot wait to watch them.

[Joe-]

Wow. That video is incredible, can't believed I described them as a bit boring. That was immense!

[Vanderlyle]

True. Good performance. Matt loves to get juiced.

[Leyser]

Everyone should download Boxer, it's a great album. Like Elbow they are a hard working band who has been around for a while, and are great live. Unfortunately most people don't respect that because they are only becoming more popular now.

Great addition, can't wait to see them

[ivan]

this performance got me into the band. had barely heard of them before this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpNA2XB4PB8&feature=related

enjoy.

[harderfaster]

it was a f**king hot glastonbury! people were desperately seeking shade beside ice cream vans and the like.

[Banana Co]

Not really. I could name a thousand quality acts that would've been better placed than some dull-as-dishwater indie borefest; The Black Keys, Minus the Bear, Magnetic Man, Big Audio Dynamite, Rancid, Sound Garden.... etc etc ad nauseum.

It's a poor line-up.

[Banana Co]

If you are unfamiliar with The National then I suggest these songs; Fake Empire, Secret Meeting, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Mr November. There is so many amazing songs but check these ones out.

[sjp_121]

I think Im gonna get into them.... quite alot. Bloodbuzz Ohio is a great song... and video above is amazing.

They seem like a great lead in into The Strokes and Pulp as well, so Im happy

[satchef1]

The National's spot this year kinda reminds me of Arcade Fire in 2006. Similar situation. Massive cult fanbase for a band that hasn't yet really broken the mainstream. The critics love them, the NME readers love them, it's just the casual Radio 1 and MTV listeners that are yet to catch up. Given the Reading and Leeds audience that spot isn't far out of where thet should be. Maybe some festivals would put them third fourth from top (much like Arcade Fire cold have played 3rd from top in 2006 without anyone complaining) but this is just how R&L roll. They'll pull a big crowd.

[pink_triangle]

They may put on a set that their fans enjoy, I cant see them pulling a particularly big crowd though. Of the bands in that slot offspring are the only one I can see pulling a really big crowd.

[Vanderlyle]

If you are unfamiliar with The National then I suggest these songs; Fake Empire, Secret Meeting, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Mr November. There is so many amazing songs but check these ones out.