The National
Alligator
2005
When Steve and I were putting our list together, he sent me the first draft of his own rankings. When I looked at the top 10, they mostly made sense to me and I agreed with the choices for the most part. However, now that we’ve been writing about these records for over a month, I’m looking at album #3 of the decade and I’m a little surprised. This isn’t an album that has reached some sort of musical milestone. It will not shock you with bizarre soundscapes or mind-bending experimentation. It doesn’t necessarily try to be progressive within the genre of rock. Instead, the only reason this album could possibly be agreed upon in the lofty #3 position is because how deeply personal this record is to both Steve and myself.
This album is full of powerful twilit melodies constructed by the highly technically proficient Dessner and Devendorf brothers. Laid overtop are the haunting gossamer vocals of Matt Beringer. While these are generally superficially simple songs, they have immense emotional depth to them. Not that other artists don’t give their all in their music, but when I listen to Beringer, I am completely convinced by his raw passion. Alligator is full of mellifluous and hungover brooding that has been the soundtrack of stressful summers, failed (or ill-conceived) relationships and emotional struggles.
This band is able to translate their emotive songs into their live performances as well. My most moving concert-going experience was three years ago. The National was in a middling position on the bill at the Pitchfork Music Festival that year. They were one of my most anticipated bands to see live that summer and they delivered. Their set was so moving I got choked up during their renditions of “Abel” and “Mr. November.” Just this last summer, The National was able to play the Pitchfork Festival again. This time they headlined one of the nights and proved that they are very capable of adapting to a more arena rock atmosphere. This band is going places and despite my mixed feelings about altering their sound for larger venues I’m glad to see these guys getting some much deserved success. -R.C.
I try not to compare bands’ albums when reviewing, but it’s hard not to in this case. Compared to Boxer, the National’ s most recent album, this record has a lot of things going for it: it’s more varied, it paces itself well, and, above all, its production decisions are much stronger. But, as a whole, the lyrics are not nearly as smart as those on Boxer, and most of the melody lines are just ok. The extremely strong production makes this an album that I like listening to… but it will never be an album that I LOVE listening to. - Phil
I feel a little bad about my less than enthusiastic review of an album you obviously both love a lot, gentleman, so I will say this: I really love the opening song, "Secret Meeting" a lot.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to deciding whether Boxer or Alligator is the better album, I feel it often depends on which one you listened to first. I love them both but Alligator will always have a bit more resonance with me.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'd say the only reason this record is up so high is due to our emotional attachment, because while some of the sounds on here are well-trodden, they do the anthem-rock thing better than anybody. Terrific review Carr, you hit this one on the head.
ReplyDeletealso - that "Lit Up" video is awesome, it makes the song look goood.
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