So, I'm working my way backwards here through The National's discography.  My first listen through Sad Songs was a little uncertain.  But, as I'm all about giving an album some time to grow on me, I've found it to be quite enjoyable.  If, as I've seen it labeled, Alligator is Sad-Core, this is definitely even Sadder Sad-Core.  Yet, for as down-trodden as much of this album sounds, it doesn't drag you down.  Murder Me Rachael is often cited as the stand out track on this album.  I think I would disagree.  Murder Me Rachael is closest to many of the songs on Alligator, and as such, I think the songs on Alligator are better.  90-Mile Water Wall and Lucky You are my picks for being the stand out tracks on Sad Songs.

Tool is one of my all time favorite bands. And my lovely wife, for an early father's day gift, gave me the new Tool album 10,000 days, as well as two Tool tribute albums. Tool is typically categorized as Progressive Rock. The keyword there being Progressive. Each album furthers their style while maintaining a sound that is undeniably Tool. Tool's music is deeply complex and is sometimes difficult to grasp on the first or second pass through. After a few listens though, everything begins to come to the surface. And it all becomes clear. I started listening to Tool way back with Opiate. And its quite difficult to say I have a favorite album. Pressed with a gun to my head, I would probably have to go with Ænima. That album is just a masterpiece. As are all of Tool's albums I suppose. I'm not even sure why I seem to be slightly drawn to that one more than the others. Because they are all truly amazing. And 10,000 Days is no exception. All members are on top of their game. Bringing you another solid piece of mind bending, state altering, free form dance inducing sonic assault on your mind, ears and body. Now on to the tribute albums. One titled "The Piano Tribute to Tool", I haven't really listened to yet. So, we'll have to cover that one in another post. The other, "A Gothic Acoustic Tribute to Tool" is, well, best discussed on two seperate levels. I do not really know anything about the Gothacoustic Ensemble that did this disc, I've never even heard of them before. They did a pretty decent job covering the instruments. But, the vocals, leave Maynard to be desired. They have two vocalists that cover the various tracks. One does a slightly better job than the other. I don't want to say that if you're going to sing a Tool song, you need to "sound" like Maynard, but, the problem comes in with Maynard's use of spatial arrangement. You don't need to sound like him, but it does not work if you do not carry his arrangement. Maynards vocals are as much an instrument and integral part of the whole as Adams guitar, Danny's drums and Justin's bass. So, when you start screwing with the vocals, its just not the same song anymore. And when you are so familiar with the songs and lyrics, its just tough to listen to. I would caution any serious Tool fan to try and get a listen of this before you pick it up if you are interested in it. Every time I try to listen to it, I long to hear the original. It just doesn't stand very well on its own.

'The National', straight out of New York via Ohio comes to the table with Alligator, their latest album but my first experience with them. I pretty much love the whole thing less one song. In my opinion I would say that 'Looking for Astronauts' is the weakest song on the album. But everything else from the slow swagger of 'City Middle' and 'Geese of Beverly Road' to the rock-in 'Abel' and 'Mr. November' kick a whole lot of ass. I've seen a lot of comparisons to Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave, which I think derives mainly from the vocals. And I can see where they're coming from. But these guys definitely stand on their own and I will certainly be checking out some of their older stuff. If you enjoy Interpol, I think you'll dig these guys a whole lot. Creative arrangements and vocals and interesting lyrics set you up for a good time. Check them out on eMusic. If you aren't really into the mainstream like me and enjoy finding new, different and obscure stuff, you'll love this site.