Friday, March 23, 2007

THE NATIONAL and other sweet sounds...


Alright folks...another week, another post...hope you enjoy this one...

One of my favourite bands, The National, is releasing a new album this May. Entitled Boxer, it is sure to be critically acclaimed, especially seeing as their major label debut, Alligator, was not given much attention. There are so many things to love about this band. The interplay between instruments is stellar, the lyrics absolutely gorgeous and the way the lead singer's baritone intertwines with the music is utterly captivating. They have released the lead off track for the new album, and it is typical National...a quite somber affair...what is new, however, is the use of a horn and piano section...I love it...a wonderful precursor of things to come...here it is...


Click on the links below to view acoustic, unfinished versions of two more tracks off the new album...the footage was taken for an upcoming DVD about the band...



The video below is yet another acoustic version of a track (titled 'Gospel') off the new album...



Here's a link to a teaser for yet another new album track, 'Mistaken For Strangers'...this track is gonna soar...

Elvis Perkins - All The Night Without Love - a great track...this guy's backstory is something to check out...

Iko - Hologram - yet another track that would sound great on an episode of Grey's

These next three tracks are from my album of the year thus far, Nux Vomica, by The Veils. The pipes on the lead singer are amazing. He actually has an anatomical anomaly that makes his voice sound that way...most of the music has dark overtones, but this band can change gears with the best of 'em...happy listening...and turn it loud...can't wait for these guys to tour...

The Veils - Calliope

The Veils - Nux Vomica

The Veils - Under The Folding Branches

Pela - Waiting on the Stairs - I posted a track by these guys sometime ago...straight-forward indie rock n' roll...i'm down...

Jeremy Warmsley - Dirty Blue Jeans - this song takes so many different directions...it's awesome...the video floating around on youtube is pretty cool as well...

Tapes n' Tapes - Insistor - one of the most rocking songs of last year, this baby would make breadcrumbs on your counter stand up and shake their ass...

Teddybears - Cobrastyle - what a better song to finish a post with...get up and dance people...

The National- Mr. November - alright, I lied...one more song off their last album, Alligator...this band deserves to be huge!!!

Oh ya...get ready peeps...Toronto FC is coming!!! I'm stoked for the upcoming season...can't wait to get my hands on a sexy new jersey...

And for those of you who love concerts, this summer tis extremely packed with some great shows...I'm currently attending the bloc party show this weekend, in addition to shows by the National (only 19 bucks at the Opera House), Ben Folds, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and THE ARCADE FIRE...still debating whether or not to get tix to the Virgin Festival on the Island...the Pumpkins, Interpol, Tokyo Police Club, Bjork, the Killers, Poalo Nutini, and more...actually, I think i just convinced myself;-)

Enjoy the weekend!!

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