National - Alligator

by Dixie Ernill

published: 5 / 6 / 2005

Label: Beggar's Banquet
Format: CD

intro

Absolutely captivating third album from the National, which fills the void where the Tindersticks left off ny offering "a more uptempo take on their bitingly real tales of everyday life"

So far 2005 has been a great year for singles, but very few LP’s have captured my imagination and the ones that I have been suitably enticed into buying (with the glowing exception of Maximo Park) have been a bit of a let down. With that in mind and even having heard The National’s excellent 'Abel' single, I wasn’t expecting 'Alligator' to be the joy that it is. Sitting neatly in the void left by the Tindersticks’ recent inactivity, The National offer a more uptempo take on their bitingly real tales of everyday life. Kicking off in fine style with the brilliant 'Secret Meeting', there really is no let up in quality throughout. 'Karen' is simply superb with its twisted and sometimes bizarre lyrics. I’m not sure what “It's a common fetish for a doting man to ballerina on the coffee table cock in hand” actually means, but it just works perfectly. Elsewhere singer Matt Berningeradmits to being “sorry for everything” on the emotion packed 'Baby, We’ll Be Fine' but announces himself as “…the new blue blood, … the great white hope” on fantastic closer 'Mr November'. This is where uptempo becomes turbo-charged and The National leave the Tindersticks comparisons in a back street late night drinking den to beat their collective chest in some cool New York hang out. 'Abel' is another blast of urgent pop-rock, similar in feel to The Walkman’s fine 'The Rat' single, but in truth, this is an album bursting at the seams with hooks, melodies and lyrics most could only dream of. Not only already a contender for album of 2005, but also rapidly becoming one of my favourite records of the last five years. They have a past too and I for one will be seeking out their back-catalogue and awaiting new stuff with much interest. I strongly suggest you do likewise.

Track Listing:-

1 Secret Meeting
2 Karen
3 Lit Up
4 Looking for Astronauts
5 Daughters of the Soho Riots
6 Baby We'll Be Fine
7 Friend of Mine
8 Val Jester
9 All the Wine
10 Abel
11 The Geese of Beverly Road
12 City Middle
13 Mr. November

Band Links:-

https://www.americanmary.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thenationalofficial
https://twitter.com/TheNational

Have a Listen:-

interviews

Interview (2007)

One of the most acclaimed of the indie scene, the National return at the end of May with their fourth album, 'The Boxer'. Guitarist Aaron Dessner talks to Ben Howarth about the band's development over the last five years and why the new album is a step up for them

Interview (2004)

live reviews

Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, 1/7/2008

Helen Tipping is impressed by both the accessibility and stateliness of Americana band the National's unique brand of indie rock at a show at the Metropolitan University in Leeds

Academy, Manchester, 10/11/2007

Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, 11/7/2007

Koko, London, 31/5/2006

favourite album

A Skin, A Night (2008)

Ben Howarth looks at 'A Skin. A Night', alt rock band the National's new film and EP package, but, despite it arriving hot on the heels of their high regarded 'Boxer' album, is unconvinced by it.

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