High Violet

I dunno. 2? 3? Not terrible, but very boring

Am I sad dad? Yes. Do I own the album and listen to it regularly? With pleasure. Am I paying Cherry Tree subscriber? Naturally. Have I traveled out of state to sing England’s refrain from the depth of my soul with Matt? You bet. 5 stars? Easily.

I quite enjoyed this, but also found it forgettable. Nicely written and put together, but lacking any urgency. (Forgive the chip on my shoulder, but if this was British, I guarantee it would have a lower average rating and there would be more general whinging about its inclusion!)

Sad sack loser cries over same three echoey acoustic chords with a drum loop. Music for self loathing thespian narcissists. Sound alone is not egregious, but the lack of variety or innovation drags this album down. I want to add that since this is a 2010 album it means there was a revision with the purpose of adding this album. This album has no place on the list absolutely not.

Ohio transplants bringing their bleak Midwestern nihilistic despair to New York. No thank you it’s not sad or angry. It’s just nothing.

Milquetoast. This is the most bang average album ever. They remind me of Aussie band Gang of Youths except Gang of Youths is actually good.

i think this is one of the most boring albums I've ever listened to. who is this for? who wants it? 1/5.

Although it always feels like any 21st century selections in this collection is both random and arbitrary (especially for anything after the initial edition's 2005 publication date), I'm very happy with today's new-to-me band and album, and also very sorry to see that it was inexplicably only included in one edition (2011). I like it that this isn't their debut album, and it's a strong album from the opening track "Terrible Love" to the closer "Vanderlyle crybaby geeks" (which seems to appear in a lot of TV series' episodes, oddly). In fact, there are only a few weaker tracks here and there, mainly "Little faith" and "Lemonworld", as well as the strangely unfunny video to "Conversation 16", plus they could probably be accused of having a somewhat limited range of song styles and sounds (but I like it). For some reason, I was strongly reminded of Alejandro Escovedo's 2006 "The Boxing Mirror", even though they sound completely different, but have that same sort of unexpectedly engaging sound. (Bummer that Escovedo isn't represented anywhere in this project.) I will definitely seek out another album or two by them, probably after this project is over, though.

Impressive, lush, cerebral but not at all shoe-gazy, I really liked this new-to-me album. I listened a few times but feel I've only cracked the surface. I especially like "Runaway."

It's very .. banal? That's probably the best word to describe The National and this album. If this had been a British band, you could probably subtract 0.5 stars from the average score.

We loved this album when it came out and caught them on this tour. Caught them on Boxer tour as well. Holds up. What I enjoyed this listen is the use of percussion. Lots of unique use of the toms and high hat. Lemonworld is an example.

Another case of the lead singer's voice bothering me.

I rather liked this. I listened to it on a crisp, cold Sunday morning and it was lovely music to start my day. Slow, a bit brooding, but melodic and sweet.

High Violet starts out interesting and uptempo, against my dislike of indie rock cliches that they were one of the front runners of That Sound along Arcade Fire of the 2000s. I will say that I find The National's songs more musically interesting than the two Arcade Fire albums I had to hear on the list. Unfortunately I think the album falls flat after Bloodbuzz Ohio and loses the otherwise interesting guitar blaring that made for interesting background noise. One interesting thing I found was that The National did a performance art with some Icelandic dude to play the song "Sorrow" for 6 hours, almost nonstop. That sounds like hell for me as a musician, but I'll give them props for agreeing to that kind of pain. Learning that fact alone was more interesting than I could want to talk anymore about High Violet. Honorable mention: Afraid of Everyone

This is a great album but for me just doesn’t quite reach the heights of The Boxer.

At this point I think I just need to check out the entire 4AD catalog.

Bem interessante cair um disco de Indie em uma semana em que estou adentrando bastante nesse gênero. Porém, esse Indie em questão não é aquele moderno do qual eu passei a gostar, esse é bastante puxado pro post rock/shoegaze, é um som bem melancólico, lento, e eu definitivamente estou bem longe da época em que gostava desse tipo de música.

It is a good album, although I thought I would enjoy it more than I did. I may need to give it a couple more listens. In fact, I have listened to the whole album three times and it is starting to grow on me. Some songs I enjoyed: "Terrible Love", "Sorrow" (very good, probably my favourite), "Bloodbuzz Ohio", "Runaway", "Lemonword", or "Conversation 16". In fact, I'd say my real favourite may be "Terrible Love (Alternate Version)". Also, the live versions of "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks" are really worth checking. As of today, this is the range of 3,5 stars. However, rounding up to 4 stars as I'm confident it will continue growing on me (and, also because, after listening to this album, I'm looking forward to listening to some of their other works).

This is a nice relaxing listen. I'm sure you need to listen to the lyrics to really appreciate the album though and I did not do that, haha.

I knew The National was a big deal but had never actually taken the time to listen. This was fantastic - musically, lyrically, and appealed to my penchant for slightly depressing lyrics that appear to come from somewhere genuine. Rating: 8/10

This was better than I had anticipated. The music was accomplished and the lyrics thoughtful. I'm not sure I was necessarily in the right mood for it on a long commute though.

Nothing remarkable but an easy listen. Just because I generally like the genre I give it the weak three stars. 2,5

Finally something again I enjoyed! A good mix of sounds in this album, and it didn’t feel as long as it was. 4/5 ⭐️ 289/1081

In the words of comedian Jim Jefferies: "From time to time, we all get sad :) "

What can I say, I like The National. Kinda my go-to for well-written, melancholy indie rock from the late 2000s. This album was honestly the last one from them that I really liked. All downhill from here, sadly, with the exception of their phenomenal live album released last year!

Idk man, this didn't grab me. Maybe after a few listens it'll change to a 3, but not my jam atm. Kinda boring

A folky and moody album for me. I really enjoyed ‘Anyone’s Ghost’, ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio and ‘Lemonworld’ Rating: 3.5/5 GEMV (08.10.2026)

Recognize a few of these

Depressingly gorgeous listen.

Bland and miserable

I swear I listened to this but I literally don’t remember a single song. I didnt really dislike it per say but it was just such a forgettable album

A wise man once told me do not listen to the national

The National is the Bdatpes of Future Islamds

Talented musicians playing crap unoriginal music.

Great album - accountant rock

Instrumentally there’s some cool stuff but I don’t care for the songs. They’re all slow and kind of monotonous.

needed more passion, more energy; if i'm going to listen to a man sing he needs to put more effort in the delivery

Not a fan of their lyrics. They feel performative instead of sincere. The album feels like someone's hipster escaped their cage. Kind of a typical post Great Recession indie rock disease. It is not objectively bad, but I'm not moved by it either. About the only things I enjoyed was the instrumental performances by the supporting musicians who are not the core members of the band, but even that gets a bit tedious after the first half of the album. I wish the singer would at least try to give an expressive vocal performance. The tracks are all a bit too samey and beige for my taste. A better album from 2009 that everyone should listen to instead is Carina Round's THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW. If you need some emotional dirge, just put on The Cure's DISINTEGRATION and call it a day.

This sound is not usually my thing, but this was a really good example of it. It almost felt like post-rock, which I do enjoy.

nothing exciting, but not terrible. pretty generic indie sounding.

I like the national but they always leave me wanting a little more. Did enjoy this though

There's more filler than I remembered. The highs are VERY high though.

Really boring, might have some interesting stuff buried in there but doesn't seem to really be worth the effort to find out.

Hat mir irgendwie garnicht gefallen. Vorallem die Stimme

Pretty generic and bland. The occasional song has the Morrissey moan vibe so I deducted a star.

It's ok, fairly similar to other indie of its time, but I think the mixing suffers from the 2010s 'wall of sound' style, I like some light and dark in my mix.

This was not my vibe.

Not too bad. I enjoyed some of these songs.

bland

Meh

A dreary but well made indie rock album. Did not care for the lead singer’s style, he’s doing a bit of a Nick Cave droning thing, but the rest of the band was pretty good. Interesting melodies and arrangements throughout, and I particularly liked the drummer. It’s melancholy and all the songs are pretty slow; not really up my alley, but I enjoyed more elements than I disliked. Solid 3/5

I thought I would really like The National - seems they are a darling du jour. I like the music *somewhat* but the vocalist. Ugh. Mumble mumble in the same baritone 1 octave range. Meh.

I’m sure this band has a huge following and they are beloved. Definitely a unique style and sound, but it does nothing for me. The hardest part for me is the vocals. Just no emotion for me. Feels bland

Cool!

Need to listen again but instinctively like it. Think if I'd heard it at the time I'd be really into it.

Actually better than I remembered it being. A real grower.

I enjoyed this one for the most part.

I thought I was bored by this until I suddenly got caught by it halfway through

This was a perfect Sunday morning album. This vibe of this album was reflective, methodical and instilled a sense of Zen-like grace. The song England was almost a religious experience in itself. Matt Beringer’s vocal range is right in a small pocket, yet somehow adds a grounding point for the music swirling around it. There was so much music in the Indie Revolution of the early 2000s I’m not surprised this one wasn’t more noticed, especially since it’s not radio friendly. It should have been. Even though the aforementioned song is my key, there is not a bad song on here. Little Faith is a close second. Wow. This is a find.

Random thoughts: * I've decided I'm just not a fan of The National. I've been listening to them since Boxer in 2007. I think 19 years is probably enough time to determine I don't really like The National. * Don't get me wrong. This music isn't bad. It's just not my cup of tea. * I'm the perfect target audience for The National. Maybe that's why I thought I should like them. Marketing. * They are a slightly more indie and American version of Radiohead. The music just isn't that up lifting. It is kinda depressing. So I guess if you're in the right mood this will do. * Bloodbuzz Ohio is the best track here and one that I've definitely heard before. It might be one of The National's best tracks ever. * I'll probably listen again but I can think of hundreds of albums I'd prefer to hear again over this. It is nice to finally make a determination about a band that I was always unsure of. I guess it was always obviously there in front of me.

It’s good, but I’ve never been able to fall in love with them. I think it’s because of my voice bias - too reminiscent of Crash Test Dummies guy.

Pretty good

I like sad music, I like Happy sad music, I like sad happy music. Sue me.

I feel like I have missed rhe boat with The National. I've known of them tangentially thru tv/movie soundtracks and some radio play, but I feel I should do a deeper dive into their lyrics. Was I meant to be a dedicated fan?

This one could grow on me if I keep listening to it.

"High violet" as in a color you can't quite see, apart from knowing it is there- bearing what you can't quite feel.

Yeah, not bad. I know it can be a bit repetitive and dreary even on the wrong day. On the right day though you can just absorb or be absorbed by it all and it’s a wonderful sound.

I’m a casual fan of the singles so I knew Bloodbuzz, but not the rest. I really like their sound.

Sounds like a world-weary Coldplay at times. But not as good. Most of it has the air of a depressing dirge. After three listens — and, OK, I admit it didn’t have my full concentration on any of them — I just couldn’t get into it. I wouldn’t say it was dreadful, but neither did I find much to inspire me. I hate to use this word, but… kinda meh.

Good but I don’t remember it too well

This genre of mid-200s/early-2010s soft indie rock has just never really connected with me. The songs just feel so flat and same-y and the vocals do nothing for me. There's no emotional or dynamic range, and yet it feels like they're aiming for a nostalgic feeling that just doesn't work for me. My impulse is to say that it's all too soft but there's plenty of soft music that I love - I think the word I want is just flat. There just isn't anything in this to catch me and draw me in. The lyrics seem a little interesting but they're so slurred that it's way too hard to actually hear them. It's just... boring. Generic. Bleh.

the national...

Never heard of them thank god. Tedious and boring sums this up no highs or lows just a monotonous drone from a professional misery guts.

I am quite fond of this album Fave track: Anyone's Ghost

I've always enjoyed this album. But this relisten did make realise that it's definitely lacking in a bit of substance. 3/5

Monotone sad boy indie. It does rise at parts but the song remains the same. It's not bad, but it's also not interesting. The vocal style isn't unique the lyrics and music have all been done before, and frankly, better.

I really liked the album. The atmospherics of it drew me in I think. It's got a dark, brooding vide to it. I'll listen to this again for sure.

I'm a fan, so pretty easy to give thumbs up (5 actually).

A little droney but very enjoyable. Good compositions, good production quality and the voice of the guy is quite pleasant

Sad, with marbles in their mouths. But hypnotic nonetheless.

It was fine, but depressing to listen to. 2.5 / 5

Listened before?: yes, once or twice. i don't listen to this album enough to have a particular rating in mind though Terrible Love - 4/5 Sorrow - 4/5 Anyone's Ghost - 3/5 Little Faith - 3/5 Afraid of Everyone - 3/5 Bloodbuzz Ohio - 4/5 Lemonworld - 4/5 Runaway - 3/5 Conversation 16 - 5/5 England - 4/5 Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks - 4/5 Average score: 3.7/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ i like the album, but it wasn't necessarily one of my favs. i'd give it 3.5 stars anywhere else

I dont get the rest but Lemonworld is amazing

ah man, spring dan toch direct in de vaart... en spaar ons je gezaag en geklaag

Not my favorite The National album, but still great.

Good, indie rock. Lead singer is so morose in most songs.

The lo-fi start had me worried, but that soon dissipated and turned out quite good.

very lovely

everything aaron dessner touches is gold

Was not on my radar at all. Was very good

This isn't the best The National album (That'd be Alligator or Trouble Will Find Me), but deserves a 5 both for its legacy and what it means to me. In their imperial phase, which this album is probably the fulcrum, The National were among the best, most consistent, and influential indie bands of their era. They get a lot of flack for being overly maudlin and sonorous, which is somewhat fair, but misses both their huge catalogue of bangers, and the enjoyment to be found of a band digging deep into a particular atmospheric palate. I'm 25, it's the week before I upend my life and move to the big city. In my local record store I pick up a CD based on the cool cover art and reviews. It's Alligator by The National, and it goes on to soundtrack my move, a subsequent love affair, and a period of huge transition in my life. The following year this album comes out. My cool big city friends and I all adore The National, and seeing them crest a wave of acclaim and popularity is thrilling; it feels like we've made it too. I see them live in a gorgeous theatre by the ocean, and when the play Vanderlile Crybaby Geeks acapella I weep. All of the feelings this band has soundtracked, the love and heartbreak, the exhilaration and depression, come out of me. The following summer they headline a festival in town, and my cool big city friends and I all go. Singing along, drunk, arm in arm. I instinctively know it's the peak of something, a particular season of youth, a particular sweet spot for indie rock. The band has ebbed in it's influence in my life but I'll never forgot how they shaped me, and the colour they gave to those heady, whirlwind years.

Ok

Sone of the most soulless generic shit I’ve heard in my entire life.

It’s not bad, but it’s just so one-note dreary. The whole album is tonally and sonically monotonous. I don’t get all the hype about this band. Perhaps I’m showing my age, but none of the albums from the 2010s that I’ve gotten from the list are albums I need to hear before I die. 2⭐️

Shitty, run-of-the-mill indie rock. I read their bio and it said they formed in Brooklyn so I was excited! 3 great bands that I love came out of Brooklyn... Type O Negative, Biohazard, Life Of Agony... and there are still a bunch that I could rattle on about. My family and I are originally from the Canarsie section of Brooklyn so I was psyched! Boy, was it a let down. Tepid, unoriginal indie rock with crappy production. Even worse, I come to find out these guys are actually from Ohio and I ly moved to Brooklyn as part of the hipster gentrification of places like Bushwick and Bed Study. Don't waste your time.......

i don't like that i like this. i can tell this album is not good and wholly unoriginal, but that doesn't stop it from being quite enjoyable to me. feels like this band is just taking all the edge off of interpol's style but it's still more than good enough that i quite enjoyed this. reluctant high 4/5, and i guess this deserves to be here, though i've heard that this band has other albums that are good and maybe those are more deserving of this spot also i do NOT like the vocalist; he's so whiny, he keeps going on about how much his life sucks in the least interesting and creative ways

I can acknowledge it's beautoful, but also it's not really for me.

Reminds me of the champs

Not sure what to.make of this one, it was listenable but not enough variety for me to come back.

Very guitar-based and drone-y, reminiscent of Explosions In the Sky, but with a singer who has a subtle passion and emotion. This is engaging stuff and I want more.