[rhythmdevils]

Anyone heard it yet?  I'm really excited about this one going to the record store as soon as I can.  Post your impressions!!!!

 

[Shimmer]

I'm liking it so far.  Haven't listened to it enough to be able to give any further impressions.

 

[RedSky0]

Liked it at first, but it's starting to wear off. Too much repitition for my liking.

 

[AJSgolf33]

I've got a trip to the record store planned to pick this up tomorrow. I'm pretty excited as I just discovered The National a couple of months ago. Anybody else heard it yet?

 

[Xuster]

This is my first exposure to The Nationals and I got to say I'm pretty impressed. Solid album with a lot of replay value I think. Runaway is just an awesome track.

 

[zumaro]

Initial impressions is that it isn't as good as Boxer, improving from Bloodbuzz Ohio onwards.  But it may grow.

 

[A Love Supreme]

Boxer > High Violet > Alligator

 

[AJSgolf33]

So I just got back from the record shop and gave it a listen. The Vinyl is 180 gram, split onto two records, and is of good quality on my modest system. The vinyl version also comes with a code for a free digital download, which I appreciate. First impressions are very good. It's the same tone and flow that we've heard before from The National. That's not to say that their sound is getting boring, I think they really have something great. Their talent clearly lies in the lyrics and simple complexity of the tracks themselves. I agree with the above poster that it probably doesn't reach the heights of Boxer but I'm sure that with future listens the songs on High Violette will only grow on me as has been the case with their other albums.
 
I would definitely pick this up if you are a fan of the band. If your just hearing about them for the first time, check out Boxer first but you're probably going to want to fill out your collection shortly after.

 

[jonnyhambone]

Haven't picked it up yet but it sure is cheap at Amazon...
it's got a few run-thru's via NPR's First Listens site - a pretty cool spot that picks 4 or 5 new releases and lets you stream the whole album and read a bit about it.  check it below if curious...
 
The National - NPR First Listen

 

[DLeeWebb]

I'm really liking "High Violet" a lot. After two listens, I like it at this point better than I liked "Boxer." Except for "Fake Empire," which I liked immediately and which I think is better than anything on "High Violet," "Boxer" was a slow grower with me. Time will tell...

 

[Head Injury]

Quote:

Haven't picked it up yet but it sure is cheap at Amazon...
it's got a few run-thru's via NPR's First Listens site - a pretty cool spot that picks 4 or 5 new releases and lets you stream the whole album and read a bit about it.  check it below if curious...
 
The National - NPR First Listen

Great, I know what album I'll be listening to tonight.

 

[rhythmdevils]

Just got it finally.  Resorted to getting it at Borders

so I could get the purchase over with and listen to it on my hour drive back home tonight.  I thought it was good.  It seemed kind of bland, and I felt a little meh towards it, but that's how I've felt about every album of theirs on my first few listens.  The National seems to be the only band whose music continues to grow on me, even Alligator after all these years I'm not sick of it

 

[Pangaea]

I am a pretty big fan, and I'm not disappointed.  Runaway, Little Faith, Ohio, Conversation 16 are standouts.

 

[zumaro]

Video for Bloodbuzz Ohio is posted on Youtube now.

 

[Dublo7]

I had my first listen of this album last night, and I'm really impressed. It sounds very good as well - very warm.