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The National — Conversation 16
Album: High Violet
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1304









Released: 2010
Length: 4:15
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I think the kids are in trouble
Do not know what all the troubles are for
Give 'em ice for their fevers
You're the only thing I ever want anymore

We live on coffee and flowers
Try not to wonder what the weather will be
I figured out what we're missing
I tell you miserable things after you are asleep

Now we'll leave the silver city 'cause all the silver girls
Gave us black dreams
Leave the silver city 'cause all the silver girls
Everything means everything

It's a Hollywood summer
You'll never believe the shitty thoughts I think
Meet our friends out for dinner
When I said what I said, I didn't mean anything

We belong in a movie
Try to hold it together 'til our friends are gone
We should swim in a fountain
Do not want to disappoint anyone

Now we'll leave the silver city 'cause all the silver girls
Gave us black dreams
Leave the silver city to all the silver girls
Everything means everything

I was afraid I'd eat your brains
I was afraid I'd eat your brains
'Cause I'm evil
'Cause I'm evil

I'm a confident liar
Have my head in the oven so you know where I'll be
I'll try to be more romantic
I want to believe in everything you believe

I was less than amazing
Do not know what all the troubles are for
Fall asleep in your branches
You're the only thing I ever want anymore

Now we'll leave the silver city 'cause all the silver girls
Gave us black dreams
Leave the silver city to all the silver girls
Everything means everything

I was afraid I'd eat your brains
I was afraid I'd eat your brains
'Cause I'm evil
'Cause I'm evil
'Cause I'm evil
Comments (145)add comment
 jnesser wrote:

Why, whenever I hear this band, do I want to commit suicide? 


988.

thump thump mumble mumble
 RabbitEars wrote:

I don't have that strong a reaction. My sense is they have a handful of really good songs, but in the context of an album, I can't get hooked. I love the lead voice, but the monotony of their sound becomes one long wash of mostly indistinguishable songs. 


Quoting another post re: The National, "Drums, drums, drums,... mumble, mumble, mumble." 

That being said, I really like them in small doses. I own this album and several other of theirs and there is no freaking way I can listen to an entire album in one sitting. 
 Steely_D wrote:
Mediocrity annoys me. I really wanted to like this band, but it routinely disappoints. That horrible ham-handed drumming, the monotonous unemotional singing (although I love McMurtry), and how every song sounds so much like the next... It just pisses me off when they come on.
 
I don't have that strong a reaction. My sense is they have a handful of really good songs, but in the context of an album, I can't get hooked. I love the lead voice, but the monotony of their sound becomes one long wash of mostly indistinguishable songs. 
voce particolare musica bella - si distingue ciao
This band's lyrics are so on point for so many different aspects of relationships.  I've grown so much in my own while listening to them.  Thank you RP for introducing me to The National.  
For me, their best song is : About today !
 justin4kick wrote:
This is one of their best. What a great band they were back then.
 
...and are still.  Maybe even better. 

Realizing that for some the music industry is the one place that experience, growth, and evolution is disdained for the new shiny.
 jnesser wrote:
Why, whenever I hear this band, do I want to commit suicide? 
 
No idea. Get some help.
As much as Bill likes The National... you'd think he'd like this from EL VY...

Return To the Moon

Matt Berninger (lead singer of The National).
Brent Knopf (founding member of Ramona Falls and Menomena), Andy Stack (of Wye Oak) and Matt Sheehy (of Lost Lander).

I submitted it a while back... it was rejected immediately.
I love the quirky lyrics and the music of this song!
Political hacks...
 jnesser wrote:
Why, whenever I hear this band, do I want to commit suicide? 

 
I suggest you use the PSD-button instead.
Mediocrity annoys me. I really wanted to like this band, but it routinely disappoints. That horrible ham-handed drumming, the monotonous unemotional singing (although I love McMurtry), and how every song sounds so much like the next... It just pisses me off when they come on.
 Ptijoc wrote:

I'm bored by National's bashing, this band is the most terrific from the past twenty years, and if you don't realise it, i suggest you to remove the banane from your ears.

 
lolzers, lay off the glue huffing pal.
mumble mumble, thump thump, repeat
This is one of their best. What a great band they were back then.
I was afraid I'd eat your friends? Or eat your brains? It's one of those.
 
 Sunman wrote:
I've come to the realization that this band is not for me.

 
I'm bored by National's bashing, this band is the most terrific from the past twenty years, and if you don't realise it, i suggest you to remove the banane from your ears.
 chinaski wrote:
That drumming sounds as if it was sampled for Bowie's Blackstar. 

 
Bowie's blackstar features freak drumming phenom Mark Guiliana, they didn't need any sampling :)

 

Love the drums on this track.


Just having thoughts of this being the theme song for a zombie movie. 
Sort of changes it 
That drumming sounds as if it was sampled for Bowie's Blackstar. 
I've come to the realization that this band is not for me.
Where is my mind?
 blotto wrote:

they all sound the same, thump thump mumble mumble thump thump mumble mumble 

 

Shmelo wrote:

This band is amazing and this song is one of their best.
 
 
What's more is I heard an interview with the lead singer and he said his nickname is Mumbles.

they all sound the same, thump thump mumble mumble thump thump mumble mumble 

 

Shmelo wrote:

This band is amazing and this song is one of their best.
 

I feel the same 

 

jnesser wrote:

Why, whenever I hear this band, do I want to commit suicide? 

 


Why, whenever I hear this band, do I want to commit suicide? 
I have come to appreciate this band.  They are amazing live.
This band is amazing and this song is one of their best.

 calle01 wrote:
Okay.. This band too is terrible. PLEASE RP.. Find a better playlist. This is miserable and I constantly have to use PSD. Which.. btw.. Plays the same 20 songs over and over? 
Couldnt you try for once not mailing it in Bill? 

 
Awwww, muffin!

#firstworldproblems.
PSD or ....{#Drunk}
zombie music
Nice drumming rhythm though.....
 dapower wrote:
Always thought this would make an excellent theme song for The Walking Dead.

 
I would say a good end credits songs for 28 weeks later, as a very heavy and thought-provoking self reflection, like the movie itself...
I was once in Silver City -- New Mexico. I don't remember any silver girls. I did meet two "century" ladies in Century City, however. 
Just saw them on the second night of their 4-night residency in Chicago.

Highly recommend them live and recorded.  

If you like this, you'll find this entire album and the most recent one to be consistently fantastic.
They played in Paris two weeks ago, and i was there.
A so beautiful song! Thank's for all guys.
I got tickets to see these guys outside at a brewery in Portland in September.  Craft beer and good music in the fresh air.  What could be better!
GRlrlrlrlowing on me! (may be because it's spring and the voice, and the call for travel/troubadour)
Braaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Down boy...no brain eating in here.....


I don't sense the creep of the lyrics. It sounds to me more like he might fear to suffocate the one he cares for by being exceedingly concerned or may be jealous, or may be just too energetic, invading.
First listening to me. Good one
okay, creepy lyrics or not I just bumped from an 8up to a 9

 ziggytrix wrote:
Is he really singing "I was afraid I'd eat your brains"??
 
 

As creepy as that is, it's better than what I thought he was singing  —

"I am your friend 
I'd eat your brains."

With friends like that............. 
 ziggytrix wrote:
Is he really singing "I was afraid I'd eat your brains"??
 
rdo wrote:


Yes, they are having dinner in a French restaurant.
 

{#Lol} 
It gets worse over time, but I cannot rate below 1.
 dcoy wrote:
love this whole CD despite the sometimes strange lyrics.
 

I love it because of the strange lyrics-they make me pay attention. Lyrics are the last thing I hear when I listen to a song.
This song leaves me feeling depressed every time I hear it. That's not a bad thing though. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the things we fear. :)
 Geecheeboy wrote:
I'd guess metaphor.
 
Let's hope.
I'd guess metaphor.
Zombie Movie Music....I guess?
i just checked out the lyrics.
very creepy.
but it makes me like this song a little more.
 blotto wrote:
crap.
thank god for the psd.
 
I agree...but not for this one!!
{#Sorry}
crap.
thank god for the psd.
Always thought this would make an excellent theme song for The Walking Dead.
this is nice :o) his voice "reminds" me of a mixture between matt johnson and  colin vearncombe and another guy I can't recall right now...
I was afraid at each embrace?
yeah...strange lyrics.  but then he's evil.  perhaps inspired by Hannibal Lecter...love the pronounced synth bass on the hook though.
Love this song, but the line about the 'silver city' reminds me of recent time spent living in the wilderness near Silver City, NM, and makes me wonder why I'm back in my window-less office in London. (I know, the answer is money. Poo.)

Accurately representing how I feel about what choices I have ahead of me now.
Funny thing, it's the strange lyrics that move this one from an 8 up to a 9 for me.  

 
dcoy wrote:
love this whole CD despite the sometimes strange lyrics.
 

It's a really good thing we're all different!      {#Sunny}
 Living_By_Design wrote:
Brains? Did he say brains? {#Frustrated}
 
Yep, he's saying brains...

"I think the kids are in trouble
Do not know what all the troubles are for
Give them ice for their fevers
You're the only thing I ever want anymore

We live on coffee and flowers
Try not to wonder what the weather will be
I figured out what we're missing
I tell you miserable things after you are asleep

Now we'll leave the silver city 'cause all the silver girls
Gave us black dreams
Leave the silver city 'cause all the silver girls
Everything means everything

It's a Hollywood summer
You'll never believe the shitty thoughts I think
Meet our friends out for dinner
When I said what I said, I didn't mean anything

We belong in a movie
Try to hold it together 'til our friends are gone
We should swim in a fountain
Do not want to disappoint anyone

Now we'll leave the silver city 'cause all the silver girls
Gave us black dreams
Leave the silver city to all the silver girls
Everything means everything

I was afraid I'd eat your brains
I was afraid I'd eat your brains
'Cause I'm evil
'Cause I'm evil

I'm a confident liar
Have my head in the oven so you know where I'll be
I'll try to be more romantic
I want to believe in everything you believe

I was less than amazing
Do not know what all the troubles are for
Fall asleep in your branches
You're the only thing I ever want anymore

Now we'll leave the silver city 'cause all the silver girls
Gave us black dreams
Leave the silver city to all the silver girls
Everything means everything

I was afraid I'd eat your brains
I was afraid I'd eat your brains
'Cause I'm evil
'Cause I'm evil
'Cause I'm evil"




love this whole CD despite the sometimes strange lyrics.
Brains? Did he say brains? {#Frustrated}
Cy Twombly passed this week. Probably inspired the cover art.
Shoot.. Did my Ex-wife write this song?

 Jelani wrote:


 

My thoughts exactly.

8 {#Arrow} 9

 Aud wrote:


I thought he was going to eat my breast!....
 
Ok young lady you seem concerned with this and I would like to be of some assistance. Remember I can help, I am a rabbi. Feel free to confess your feelings (slowly and in great detail).Remember I am a doctor( lawyer,therapist,carpet installer,licensed electrician-pick one) you can trust me.

 84MacGuy wrote:
On this song he is going to eat your brains.  On Bloodbuzz he is going to Ohio on a swarm of bees. 

These guys are obviously smoking some pretty good stuff when they write these lyrics.

Good music nonetheless.

 

I thought he was going to eat my breast!....
This entire album is just great.I play it often.
On this song he is going to eat your brains.  On Bloodbuzz he is going to Ohio on a swarm of bees. 

These guys are obviously smoking some pretty good stuff when they write these lyrics.

Good music nonetheless.

He is evil

 
mem_313 wrote:
ok did he say he was going to eat brains?? dang zombies...
 


I just listened to the whole album this past weekend — love it!  The singer's voice has a certain "moody" quality to it, but once you get into it it's very nice.
ok did he say he was going to eat brains?? dang zombies...
 chyk5 wrote:
I have their 2 prior albums and really enjoyed them. On first listen, I was really disappointed in High Violet. It turns out it is one of those rare gems that gets better with each listen. I now think it's their best work to date.
 
I agree, I think High Violet is pure genius.

I have their 2 prior albums and really enjoyed them. On first listen, I was really disappointed in High Violet. It turns out it is one of those rare gems that gets better with each listen. I now think it's their best work to date.
thanks for keeping track blotto wrote:
Wow, The National a mere 25 minutes after Alexi Murdoch.

2 of the dullest bands ever in this short of a time is too much. 
 


Wow, The National a mere 25 minutes after Alexi Murdoch.

2 of the dullest bands ever in this short of a time is too much. 
I LOVE the words to this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How about some fava beans and a nice chianti instead.
Glad to see this drab tune appeals to people who talk to themselves(I think).

 nerakdon wrote:
I simply cannot believe you are playing this.  Maybe I'm vain, thinking this song is about me, but I could swear this is collective consciousness at work.
 
nerakdon wrote:
Oh.  Or, Ockham's Razor, maybe you just read the forum, and you're making fun?

 nerakdon wrote:
I simply cannot believe you are playing this.  Maybe I'm vain, thinking this song is about me, but I could swear this is collective consciousness at work.
 
Oh.  Or, Ockham's Razor, maybe you just read the forum, and you're making fun?
I simply cannot believe you are playing this.  Maybe I'm vain, thinking this song is about me, but I could swear this is collective consciousness at work.
Sounds like A-ha to me, circa 1987.

The National sounds even blander than usual, after a PF song.


 kaybee wrote:
I've never liked the National much, finding the singer's voice too moany droany, yet I'm really enjoying a lot of what I am hearing on this album!

 
Yes, very nice songs!

I've never liked the National much, finding the singer's voice too moany droany, yet I'm really enjoying a lot of what I am hearing on this album!

 laozilover wrote:
Wonder what we'd get if they teamed up with Andrew Bird?
 
OMG! Is Bill reading my mind?!?  GMTA at the least!  Bill follows playing this tune with Andrew Bird - Imitosis!

Wonder what we'd get if they teamed up with Andrew Bird?
 Shesdifferent wrote:
Cover Art!
Love the lyrics...
Has the apathetic tone that I feel. 
Love it. 
 

LOVE GRAFITTI - have even covered my 1500 Euro fridge with it!

Still - was is great with this album's cover art?

I find it boring and....not good just!

Edit:
Ahh, see now these are written words.
OK - that changes things,....a bit!

This song and band is not good (enough) for my ears!
THEY ARE BORED!

PS
Yes, I know critics like the band!



candidate for Best of 2010 so far?

10! Best song on a great album!


right...I've had enough....need to go buy {#Hearteyes}
Cover Art!
Love the lyrics...
Has the apathetic tone that I feel. 
Love it. 
I didn't initially like this band when I first heard them, but I this song is growing on me.

 madra wrote:
This song has been in my head for months.  To me, it's about the tension in married life... Wanting to be your best for your spouse and loving your life together, but worrying that you'll ruin it when s/he sees who you think you actually are.  I think it's brilliant. 
I think you're totally right.

This song has been in my head for months.  To me, it's about the tension in married life... Wanting to be your best for your spouse and loving your life together, but worrying that you'll ruin it when s/he sees who you think you actually are.  I think it's brilliant.

I was certain that I was mishearing the lyrics, and it made my Monday to learn that I wasn't.
 nerakdon wrote:
We're all brain eating zombies sometimes.
 
Personally, I'm more of a werewolf. I prefer the internal organs and major muscles. Brain is so gushy and encased in bone...I guess it's a little like eating craw-fish...an acquired taste. {#Cheesygrin}

BTW: The lyrics drop this song by 2 points in my book.

It's a metaphor people, don't you remember English class?

For the literal minded:

 

I'm seriously in love with this whole album. It's one that grows with every listen, and I like that.
just add "lemonworld" from the album , fantastic {#Mrgreen}
I LOVE these wacked-out lyrics!  More, please, Bill!
We're all brain eating zombies sometimes.
 Fables85 wrote:
SUPERB!!!!!!!!!

This is what Radio Paradise should be ALL about. Best tracks off best records and nothing else. Stuff the singles (or most of them anyway).
 

Well, I wouldn't say superb, but its pretty good to hear stuff like this instead of all that Emmylou/Gillian Welch type awful stuff.
 black321 wrote:
Do we really need this?
Or, is this really necessary?
 
Yes (x2).

BONNAROO!!!  The National tore it up at the Which Stage on Friday.  They are even better live.

Second best song off the new album.  The best:  Bloodbuzz, of course.
 QueenLucia wrote:
AAACK!!  That was a really jarring segue from Mazzy Star. 
 

i was thinking the same thing.
AAACK!!  That was a really jarring segue from Mazzy Star. 


I love this line from the AMC review - "...but they’ve never been able to shake the rural, book-smart, quiet violence of the Midwest"  {#High-five}
Do we really need this?
Or, is this really necessary?
Nerubo wrote:
"I was afraid I'd eat your brains
Cause I'm evil"

Umm, I like the song well enough, but doesn't that sound a bit zombie-ish? Is there something about The National I've missed?



 
twitterpated wrote:
Thank you Nerubo. I thought I was hearing things when I heard that line about eating your brain! Huh!?


___________

The National is like a guy in this dude's department, but with a guiltier conscience.

 Nerubo wrote:
"I was afraid I'd eat your brains
Cause I'm evil"

Umm, I like the song well enough, but doesn't that sound a bit zombie-ish? Is there something about The National I've missed?

 
Thank you Nerubo.  I thought I was hearing things when I heard that line about eating your brain!  Huh!?

 ziggytrix wrote:
Is he really singing "I was afraid I'd eat your brains"??
 
Its' Hannibal Lechters theme.
"I was afraid I'd eat your brains
Cause I'm evil"

Umm, I like the song well enough, but doesn't that sound a bit zombie-ish? Is there something about The National I've missed?