Depending on the album, I suppose a pretty good case could be made for releasing the opener as a single ahead of time. But the closer? I really feel like the closer should be heard in the context of the album. Honestly, I find the whole idea of lead off singles to be increasingly silly just in general. That being said though, I have absolutely no self control and the idea of *not* listening to an available National song is ludicrous. Song is gorgeous.
I'm teetering back and forth between my need to hear this song and my desire to keep the closer new until I hear the full album. But I am weak and a month+ is a long time.
Only thing I can think of is this is one of the most traditional the National sounding songs as a whole on here.
I would have still listened to it as soon as I could, but I didn't even realize it was the closer until other people mentioned it. I looked at the tracklist a while ago, but I guess my memory just isn't as good as some people's.
Gripes about them releasing the closing track early aside, I do think there is something interesting to it. Each opener/closer this band writes is so distinct. Those songs couldn't fit anywhere in the album and always provide the perfect introduction and closing moments to their records. Having the opening and closing statements to this record, and then getting the context that bridges them together later, will provide an interesting approach to hearing the record for the first time.
I've been waiting to hear the studio version of this for a while but I think I can wait longer - the fact this is already available via live performances and I've heard those means I can wait a bit to see how the album take compares. I'm good. If it was a BRAND new song you bet I'd have already listened hahah
I love the two songs. But there is a lot of competition at the top of my AOTY list right now. Nilufer, SVE, Club Night, Weyes Blood, Billy Woods, Helado Negro, Jessica Pratt....and big releases coming from Big Thief, VW and PUP. Been a great year so far.