| BEST 2010 ALBUMS: #33. THE NATIONAL - 'High Violet' |
| Written by Sarah Mudgway | |||
| Tuesday, 28 December 2010 18:11 | |||
#33. THE NATIONAL - High Violet  'High Violet' is the fifth release from indie darlings THE NATIONAL and by far their most commercially successful - it debuted at Number Three on the American Billboard Top 200 charts and had a commendable peak at Number Five on the New Zealand charts. Not bad for an album self-produced and recorded in founding member Aaron Dessner’s garage. In true The National style, it’s not exactly an album designed for light listening. It’s dark and it’s brooding, and for some it may take a few listens to really appreciate the intricate details... but overall it’s an impressive release which any music fan should find some level of appreciation for. Bryan Devendorf’s drumming is solid throughout, and dark moments are lightened by an array of orchestral instruments and renowned friends (Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon), which all come together nicely. MUST-LISTEN: 'Little Faith', 'Terrible Love', 'Bloodbuzz Ohio', 'Lemonworld'. YOU WILL LIKE, IF YOU LIKE: Interpol, Frightened Rabbit, Band Of Horses, Arcade Fire... and reading poetry whilst drinking red wine. MUST-WATCH: The National performing 'Little Faith' live for Pitchfork TV...  |
