Song of the Day (4/10/10: The National Saturday Night Double Shot) April 10, 2010
Posted by monty in music.Tags: Jimmy Fallon, music, Song of the Day, The National
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There are some bands that I can’t help but think of as mine. It’s not that I’m the only one to like them, or that I like them more than anyone else, or that I was one of the first to discover them. These bands are mine in the sense that they resonate with me on a level that goes beyond merely humming their songs in the car. Right now, The National is one of two or three bands to hold this particular distinction.
I’ve written about this in regard to other bands, but one of the things that appeals to me most about The National is their gravitas. I still love young, hungry, up and coming bands, but as I get older (and it is probably a symptom of growing old), I find myself increasingly drawn to bands that sound like they’ve been around the block a time or two. Elbow, Nick Cave, Doves, Tindersticks, The Frames – there’s a world-weariness, a heaviness, to their music, and it makes them sound like they know what they’re singing (and playing) about. It’s no coincidence that the members of these bands are older, and The National is no exception. Singer Matt Berninger is in his early 40’s, and there’s a weight to the way he sings that seems born of experience and knowledge. For whatever reason, I find that easier to latch onto these days than the hedonistic party-heartyisms of many younger bands.
The National releases its new album, High Violet, one month from tomorrow. The first video below is from their recent appearance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, performing one of the songs from that forthcoming album, “Terrible Love.” The second video is “Mistaken for Strangers,” one of my favorite tracks from their 2007 album, Boxer. And, as a special added bonus, click the link beneath the videos to hear the audio of another song from High Violet. It’s called “Bloodbuzz Ohio,” and, to put it bluntly, it’s really fucking amazing.
Audio of “Bloodbuzz Ohio” (courtesy of Pitchfork)
Last movie seen:
Crazy Eights (2006; James K. Jones, dir.)
Accident Waiting to Happen December 9, 2009
Posted by monty in music.Tags: Jawbox, Jimmy Fallon, music
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I’m not a fan of unnecessary repetition, but this was too good to pass up. For yesterday’s Song of the Day, I posted “Savory” by Jawbox, completely unaware of the fact that they were about to make their first live appearance in twelve years on Jimmy Fallon’s show. Synchronicity? Serendipity? I always forget which is which, but one of them is accurate, and it’s always kinda cool when it happens. The band appears to be in especially good health. It’s good to have them back.
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Look Into the Light October 18, 2009
Posted by monty in comedy, TV.Tags: Jimmy Fallon, Monty Python, movies, TV
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As I continue to think about the comedians that have sustained me over the years, I know Monty Python will get an extensive post at some point. But until I get around to writing it, it was pure magic to see four of them together again on the Jimmy Fallon show recently. Older, yes, but man – it’s still such a thrill to see them together.
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*****
Current listening:
Hothouse Flowers – Songs from the Rain
Last movie seen:
Where the Wild Things Are (Spike Jonze, dir.)
Three Seconds of Dead Air 