The National: Love At First Sound

The National: Matt Berninger, Aaron & Bryce Dessner, Scott & Bryan Devendorf

The National are an "indie" rock band you can feel good about loving and sharing. Sometimes I feel like a pretentious music snob when I talk about indie artists. I can't stand those hipsters who hate on their favourite bands once they achieve mainstream success. When I talk about The National I feel far removed from that scene. Whether music snobs like it or not The National's music is meant to move the masses.

I remember the first time I heard Ohio Bloodbuzz. The first ten seconds of drums was enough to make me instantly purchase the album.   The band was doing on interview on CBC radio the day after performing their second sold out show at Massey Hall.

How had I not heard of them before? Ohio Bloodbuzz was the first single off their fifth studio album High Violet.  It seems I'm not alone in this, because as successful as The National have become they still have a cult like indie fan base. I don't think I've ever heard them on a mainstream music station. That's not to say that the CBC isn't mainstream, but nobody listen's to CBC Radio 1 for it's music content. I even introduced my indie rock loving friends to them. A serious first.

I was hoping and preying that they would be on the bill at Bonarroo this year. They're not. I can't remember the last time I felt so desperate to see a band live. This is the problem with discovering an artist right after they've performed in your city.

My pathetic desperation led me to check out their website 
http://www.americanmary.com/ in hopes that maybe they'd be playing anywhere within driving distance. My dreams of seeing them live anytime soon are fading buy my respect for them is growing.

Near the end of an excellent and fairly long official biography, lead singer and lyricist Matt Berninge says something truly amazing."I prefer misquotes to the actual lyrics. It gives the songs more dimensions when people hear something else."

The National are about making music that matters not just to them but to their consumers, their fans - the people who really matter. As a music fan I often misquote lyrics and then become disappointed to discover I had a key word wrong. One word can change the entire meaning of a song. Matt's lack of ego and self importance as a lyricist allows everyone to find true connection to the band and their songs in there own unique way. His baritone voice can literally swallow your soul if you let it.