didn't listen to light years ahead of time so this may be old news but I just love the line "oh the glory of it all was lost on me"
I know it's one of the biggest things people are talking about, but I can't say enough how brilliant the use of female vocalists is on this album. On every song, they have an impact far beyond just beautifully harmonizing with Matt's voice. They give the songs so much more depth and perspective. Take "You Had Your Soul With You" for example. "You had your soul with you, I was in no mood" -- it's a classic National line. Here you are, making yourself vulnerable and baring it all, and I'm too messed up and detached to give a shit. But then Dorsey's voice adds another layer to the story: "You have no idea how hard I died when you left." It almost makes us confront the sentiments we relate to so much in so many National songs. All that celebration of self-loathing and despondence, all the "Yeah I'm fucking up this relationship, but it's because of these fears and insecurities and flaws"? It has heartbreaking consequences on another person. By having another vocalist sing these lines, we hear that side of the story too. And that's just the first song lol. This album gives you so much to think about. The fact that I love it on first listen is so so satisfying mainly because I know how these songs are going to grow and take on new meanings as I keep listening to them over the years.
great post; i see a lot of these songs as dialogues and it makes them feel... not necessarily deeper than previous national songs, but so full of alternating perspectives that they seem more like worlds than songs
I didn’t do this consciously but it hit me shortly after I hit play that I was starting my first spin of this driving through Ohio, between Columbus and Cincinnati. I hit Not in Kansas driving through downtown Cincy, the first choral bit of the song going over the Ohio River into Kentucky. Come on.
I live in Cinci, and the connection I have to this band feels outright spiritual. Glad you had that kinda experience.
May's been ridiculous for new music so I'm content not listening until the album's actually out just in case people who are part of Cherry Tree and pre-ordered the vinyl get sent downloads when it's actually released. Considering the CT-exclusive vinyl & shirt combo cost me 60 sheets it'd actually be super nice of them.
Between this and new Carly Rae this weekend, my emotions are going to be getting pulled in every possible direction.
It definitely is Rylan because that was the email title, just giving y'all a heads-up if you're like me and avoiding the leak!
I’m old and dumb and my laptop is shit so I don’t download leaks anymore but very excited for this on Friday.