The National - High Violet

Have you heard of The National?  They’re an incredible band, I can’t really describe their sound but it’s NOT like me at all, not folksy or acoustic.  They’re like Rock but so melodic and mellow, but then at times they really pour on the energy.  Their lyrics are just beautiful and poetic, I love ‘em.  They came out with a new album last year called High Violet and it’s awesome.  I can’t recommend it enough, although their previous album titled “Boxer” might be a better starting point for new listeners.  Check out this song “Mr. November“, if you dig that then you’ll probably like the rest of their stuff.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzhNdCxhK28

So Iron & Wine and the Decemberists both put out new albums at the beginning of this year, “Kiss Each Other Clean” and “The King is Dead” respectively.  I haven’t heard either one!  Some of my favorite bands and biggest influences and I haven’t heard either one… I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

I was kinda disappointed by The Decemberists last album, “The Hazards of Love”, so is this one different, the same, better, worse?   I don’t wanna get my hopes up and then be let down again, have you heard it, what do you think?

I’m really excited for the new Iron & Wine album.  I probably have my hopes up too high for that one but Sam Beam so consistently changes his style and puts out something you haven’t heard before, I’m really looking forward to seeing what his new direction is.  Bands have to do that, kind of re-invent themselves every so often, otherwise it all just keeps sounding the same and we get tired of it.

Oh, I’ve written a new song, it’s my first in almost 6 months.  I don’t know what I think of it yet, don’t know if you’ll ever get to hear it, but I thought I’d let you know I’m still working on new material. 

Thanks!  Talk to you later,

-loren