It pains me to say....The National is going to be really big for awhile now. The first time I heard them...I was intrigued. Now it feels like I see right through them. That new song "Graceless"....possibly the most grating lyrics I've ever heard in my life. Ya I get the lyrics are bad 'on purpose' and all that...but this is not the alternative star that we are gonna need right now.

Future Islands....Now that's a band I wish could take that place. I only listened to them the past couple days. But that is REAL alternative music. I got on to them by that incredible hit single they got....'Seasons (Waiting on you)'. Now that's a good song with good songwriting. Sounds like Chrissy Hynde singing to me. Realized it was a guy after a couple listens. They have much more punk roots but I feel like they have a kinship with Chairlift. My fave band in the world. Can't wait for the new Chairlift album.

Here's a couple Future Islands links if you want to hear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5Ae-LhMIG0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFecXLssCJE

The whole album is quite good, Seasons is the definite standout though. I haven't heard their albums before Singles. I'm slowly getting around to that.

I don't understand the connection to The National. They sound like more of a throwback to New Order than anything else.

Feels like he just wanted to randomly compare two bands he's been listening to lately.

And although I enjoyed the new Future Islands album, nothing they put out, and most likely ever will put out, is as good as the last 4 albums from The National.

But I don't think they'll ever make an album as good as Boxer or High Violet.


They are awesome live though,and I hope that translates to bigger crowds
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Behold my works,ye mighty

..the National is some fucking bullshit. Sounds like the worst "rock" of the 80's revived. Retro-rock gone wrong (and yes, they are retro, just as much as Black Keys)

This Letterman performance is friggin legendary! I'm stealing this comment....but it looks like the phys-ed teacher got to finally direct the school play!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ee4bfu_t3c

And makes hip hop beats. Not bad either. In fact, the beats is pretty nice! This dude's an interesting artist. This is the same dude from that letterman performance? Wow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXdolRnD6go

Definitely not hip-hop.

Their music is fairly different, so I wouldn't really compare them

I realize they're not similar. The National are gonna be huge for the next bit....possibly taking alot of the Coldplay and Radiohead audience with them. I wish someone like Future Islands got that spot instead.

Much better to just enjoy what you enjoy and share it with others when you can.