What makes a record album of the year? Is it because you couldn’t stop going back to it? The personal meanings behind the songs? Does it revolve around shared experienced with loved ones? The answer is all of the above. To celebrate the release of their fourth album, The National curated a tiny space called the High Violet Annex – a makeshift “venue” attached to indie record shop, Other Music – really, a tiny storefront with equipment crammed into the back end and the capacity of roughly 100 people. From the performers to the art installations, The Annex was a place of secrets and friends, hand picked by The National. The surprises included instrumental jam sessions, performances from Phosphorescent, Sharon Van Etten, The Antlers, Doveman, Buke & Gass – and even an insomnia inspired short film by Sufjan Stevens, introduced by the man himself. Everyday, there were rumors circulating that The National were going to play. Approaching the end of the five-day festivity, The National appeared on stage (minus their frontman) preparing their gear and fine-tuning each instrument. Bursts of cheer and waves of “woo!” emerged, following Matt Berninger from the entrance as he high-fived his way to the stage. Unforgettably intimate and undeniably moving, the rare performance started their best year ever – The National would soon break with High Violet and
headline Radio City Music Hall and Montreal’s Osheaga Festival. The last day of High Violet Week became more personal and further surreal for us during a meet and greet inside of BAM before their show. Meanwhile, the Annex promised something really special for the first 50 people in line. Our friend, Ted, was lucky 45 – that night, he and 49 others would be bussed to BAM on a NY double-decker blasting the new album, drinks in one hand and free concert tickets in the other! These opportunities to get to know The National were an ultimate give back to fans – a show of appreciation for supporting a decade-long career of blue collar work ethics and old school industry mentality. A band doing these kinds of things become well-received now and for the long run. Naturally effortless and easily sophisticated, High Violet is a product of audible beauty, bleak sadness, and lingering hope. Whether the quiet echo behind the words or the dramatic buildup of instruments that seep into you, there is meaning to be found from a voice everyone can relate to. An album to feel eternally fond of and listen to over and over again – each visit giving an effect of strength and promise. The High Violet wave swept over us, cross connecting many others with the same admiration for the men and music…
