Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD for review that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Alligator. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
Alligator is a nicely varied, mix of 13 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly superb musicians. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.
I give Alligator my highest recommendation. It just plain belongs in any serious music collectors collection regardless of genre preference.
While this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 4 - Looking For Astronauts, track 5 - Daughters Of The Soho Riots, and track 13 - Mr. November
My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Secret Meeting. It’s a great track!
Alligator Release Notes:
National originally released Alligator on April 12, 2005 on the 4AD / Beggars Group label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Secret Meeting 2. Karen 3. Lit Up 4. Looking For Astronauts 5. Daughters Of The Soho Riots 6. Baby, We'll Be Fine 7. Friend Of Mine 8. Val Jester 9. All The Wine 10. Abel 11. Geese Of Beverly Road, The 12. City Middle 13. Mr. November
The National: Matt Berninger (vocals); Scott Devendorf (guitar, bass guitar); Bryce Dessner (guitar); Aaron Dessner (guitars, bass guitar); Bryan Devendorf (drums).