Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

We're really doing this again?

High Violet (GOAT for me) > Boxer (top 5 OAT) > TWFM (top 15 OAT) > Alligator (top 30 OAT) > SWB (top 40 OAT) > Sad Songs > IAETF (still amazing imo) >>>> s/t

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

SWB top 40 oat? Like that's rough dude

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

It's a masterpiece like the four albums preceding it. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Are you suggesting that this band plateaued through the medium of the Master Piece?

Album Rating: 4.5

You and I pretty much in lockstep then; I’d agree with that and put Boxer fourth. (All of which I consider great or better albums.)



Same.



TWFM

Alligator

HV

Boxer

SWB

Sad Songs

IAETF

Album Rating: 4.5

SWB is awesome. Not in my top 40 OAT but still a great album.

Album Rating: 5.0

I love SWB but I don't think it will ever reach the level of the 4 classics that came before it. Also, this one will always be just behind the other 3 as amazing as it is

Album Rating: 4.5

this one will always be just behind the other 3 as amazing as it is



Lies.

I think what really sealed the deal for me this time was 'Hard to Find'. Good/fitting closers are *imperative* on great albums imo, because not only does it serve to kind of wrap everything up, but it also tends to be the song that lingers with you afterward, because it's the last one you heard. And I've always liked 'Hard to Find' well enough, but this last time, as I was contemplating bumping this to a 5.0 already, that last verse hit: "I'm not holding out for you / I'm still watching for the signs / If I tried you'd probably be / Hard to find" and it was as though I'd finally *heard* the song for the first time, despite having *listened* to it countless others. That was _the_ moment, and it came at a perfect time - right as the album was wrapping up.
I think the weakest point on the entire album is 'Fireproof', but only "weak" in comparison to how strong everything else truly is. And even still, I love the Elliott Smith reference, so it gets a pass.

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

I totally agree with that tec, "Hard To Find" is an amazing closer and really helps seal the deal for this. I also really relate to finally "hearing" a song you've known for a long time already. In the internet age we're so conditioned to form opinions quickly and then move on to the next thing but much of the best stuff really does take a long time to fully unfold. First impressions are almost completely meaningless imo unless you like actively dislike what you hear.

Yep. That was even true before the interwebs. Personal example: The first CD I ever owned was 'Siamese Dream' (I think I was about...13 years old at the time?) and after taking it to my (older) cousins house one day, he handed me a copy of Slint's 'Spiderland' and said something along the lines of "Here, start listening to *real* music." (He's kind of an idiot though because 'Siamese Dream' is still amazing.)
Anyway, I hated 'Spiderland' as a thirteen-year-old but always remembered it in the back of my mind as that one weird album my cousin loved. I think it was at least ten years before I listened to it again, sometime in college I stumbled upon it online and was like "Oh yeah, wonder if I'll like this now." Nope, still didn't like it.
And then at some point between then (ca. 2008) and now, it has become one of my all time favorites. One of those that even despite my initial distaste for the surface texture, kept pulling me back in, time and time again, until eventually I loved it unconditionally and couldn't believe there'd been a time where I actively disliked it.
Anyway, yeah, I try to give anything with a 2.5+ at least two listens before writing it off for good. Though there are still some that I occasionally force myself to revisit - usually revered classics that I don't agree with - and can't bring myself to enjoy. (The biggest examples are probably both Joy Division albums 'Unknown Pleasures' and 'Closer' and Patti Smith's 'Horses'.)

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

Yeah that's true, even stuff you actually dislike at first can grow. Funny you mention Spiderland because I had a similar experience with that album (albeit one which took place over a much shorter time).

And yeah, sometimes a "classic" isn't just for you. I've recently tried to more "properly" get into Joy Division and while I really like (even slightly love) those albums I found myself a bit underwhelmed by them too; maybe I'm just waiting to have that "Hard To Find" moment with them.

This album was definitely a similar story (one I've told many a time); in 2013 I found it pretty underwhelming but gradually it grew on me, and it wasn't until around 2015-2016 that I fully fell for it.

Album Rating: 5.0

'Hard to Find' s underrated, one of their better closers - just seals the deal on this being their most consistent for me

Yep - that light tambourine that comes in around 3:06 kills me. It's the little things, I guess. This album is built on nuances and intricacies over big, grandiose moments, and that's what's gonna help it withstand the test of time imo.

Album Rating: 4.5

Hard to Find is one of my favorite National closers.

Album Rating: 4.0

Has anyone here noted yet that "Hard to Find" totally lifts the main line from "Kiss Off" by the Violent Femmes. Very cool reference imo.

Yep. I think the "needle in the hay" line in 'Fireproof' is a nod to Elliott Smith, too. (It's gotta be, right?)

Album Rating: 5.0

Been away from home for work for almost 2 months now and my ass is feeling kicked. I need my girl is hitting hard right now

Album Rating: 4.5

I need my girl is a fantastic fucking song, fuck the naysayers.



Best National right here. Almost a perfect album.

Album Rating: 5.0

4th best actually for me. Somewhat behind the 3 other classics that came before it but a classic it its own right.