Comments on: Decade :: The National, Alligator (2005)

By: Aquarium Drunkard » The National :: High Violet

Aquarium Drunkard » The National :: High Violet — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:15:19 +0000

[...] tends to keep people huddled on islands. At their best—Cherry Tree’s “About Today,” Alligator’s “All the Wine” and “Secret Meeting,” Boxer’s “Fake Empire,” “Slow Show,” and [...]

By: scott

scott — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:37:26 +0000

very well written and accurate take on what is one of my favorite albums of the past ten years. this record was so widely loved by people i know, it was undeniable and created a tidal wave of excitemet. the song writing is so thoughtful without being pretentious. the national rule, hard.

By: j.crosby

j.crosby — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:10:16 +0000

Excellent words, sir. Fantastic post, better record (smiley face). I second others’ thoughts: haven’t listened to this in awhile, but will definitely be giving it some spins this week.

By: triplej

triplej — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:34:28 +0000

Nicely thought, and written. I got turned on to the The National by the Drunkard. In honor, I will (happily again) listen to this album tonight while walking Friday, and while wearing my broken-in Drunkard shirt.

By: Mikey

Mikey — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:32:10 +0000

Thanks for another fantastic read. Alligator is my favorite album of the decade; I picked it up in early 2007 and can’t think of another album I’ve listened to more since then.

The duality you mention between human connection and anonymity has always drawn me to Alligator, because it’s such a relatable aspect of entering adulthood. But I don’t think Berninger’s characters flirt with anonymity as much as they fight against it or begrudgingly accept it. Throughout the album they pray for distinction and fantasize about loving, sincere relationships, yet they’re overwhelmed, losing friends and gracefully disappearing in rooms. At the end of “Secret Meeting” I can never tell if the background vocals sing “Just drop the dice and roll it” or “Don’t draw the ace and fold it.” Berninger’s characters want to do the former so badly, but given their anxieties, they ultimately don’t take the gamble.

By: Holly

Holly — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 18:29:18 +0000

Wow. I’ve never cared for The National at all, but your essay is beautifully written & powerfully persuasive. Thank you very much for bringing intelligence and real value to the music blogosphere.

By: Jarvin

Jarvin — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:01:46 +0000

Damn, that last paragraph nails it. If anyone’s ever described The National better, I haven’t read it.

By: Diego

Diego — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:54:05 +0000

Let’s see what The National bring up for this 2010. Heard there is an album on the way.

By: Carina

Carina — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:16:31 +0000

I enjoyed reading this. Alligator is a lovely album, and you’ve captured it quite well. Thank you for writing this.

By: CastleQwayR

CastleQwayR — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 12:08:15 +0000

Beautifully said.

May a rich and blessed New Year await you and all of your fellow tank dwellers.