The Harbinger

Tully Rohrer

November 12^th, 2006

This is an old image, but one that certainly invokes a certain emotional response. And with such a grim feel, I needed a song to fit.

The National has quickly become one of my favorite bands. 2005’s Alligator is self-deprecating in all the right ways, and All The Wine, a tongue-in-cheek look at getting what one deserves, is emblematic of this sentiment. Well-used sarcasm is a rarity in most music, and this song embraces it, flaunts it, and begs you to take it seriously. Lyrics like “The motorcade will have to go around me this time, because God is on my side” or “I’m a perfect piece of ass, like every Californian” would be painful if those words were uttered by anyone but Matt Berninger in the same dry baritone delivery. If you don’t believe me, buy the song Karen as well, and then you’ll understand. Alligator didn’t make it to the top of my list of 2005’s best albums, but it should have. (Mp3s are for sampling purposes only. If you like the song, support the artist and buy the album. Mp3s will be available for a week or so, and if you represent the artist and would like the link removed, let me know and I will gladly do so.)

when i release my first album, this will be on the cover.

everyone hates birds — November 12^th, 2006