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The National Featured in Google Ad, New Record, New Website, New Twitter - December 14, 2009

It's been a while since we last heard from The National. At the time, they were working diligently on their new album, playing a few shows, and releasing a cover of Polaris' "Ashamed of the Story I Told" for the benefit album Ciao My Shining Star. Later, various band members popped up in a couple of "the" projects - The Long Count, The Conformist. But on the whole, pretty quiet.

Then we saw this little anthem:

The Google ad, titled "Out of Office," features "Apartment Story" from the band's most recent album, 2007's Boxer. So far, the spot sports a respectable 4 1/2 star rating on YouTube!, though one dude named "Syntox" got rather catty ("The National? I liked them better when they were called NEW ORDER"). Oh, well, can't win them all. As for how the band gets such a high-profile gig, singer Matt Berninger had this to say (via Stereogum):

I don't remember the specific connection but somebody high up there is a fan. I think Sergey Brin. They showed us a rough idea a few months ago. It was as much a commercial for us as for Google so we were happy to help. Originally the ad ended with a YouTube! clip of me climbing into the seats screaming in people's faces, but Google got cold feet about encouraging illegal filming of concerts. I think they are web only but I'm not sure. I wonder if we're censored in China?

In other news, the band is mixing their latest album with Peter Katis, who co-produced, recorded, and mixed Boxer. So, you know, keep your eyes peeled for more information in the upcoming months.

In addition to the new record, the band has given their website a face-lift. American Mary still has the random photographs, but it's also got a lot of new bells and whistles. Hope you enjoy it.

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Buke & Gass Receive Press, Set Release Date, Tour in September - August 10, 2010

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRE-SALE of BUKE & GASS's MOST-EXCELLENT DEBUT LP RIPOSTE The latest member of the Brassland family has been out and about, playing shows, conducting interviews, and receiving press. We thought we'd compile some of the media attention for your convenience, starting with this interview at Village Voice, which provided the lowdown on "Medulla Oblongata" (it's about "the trials of miscommunication"), Aron's early instrument designs (thumb pianos, talking drums), and where to find a good lunch in Brooklyn (Calexico in Columbia Heights). TimeOut NY's piece on the band cross-referenced ....continue....

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Clogs Release "Last Song" Video and 3-Song EP - August 03, 2010

Last week, Clogs released a video for their latest single, "Last Song," on Pitchfork.tv. Directed by twin brothers Benjamin and Stefan Ramirez Perez, the video layers animation over traditionally filmed images to gracefully show a fragmented narrative in which two characters shift between isolation and interaction. The tune itself features The National's Matt Berninger (pictured at left with daughter Isla on the latest cover of Under the Radar), whose baritone enters a minute and a half in. You can watch the video below. In addition to the video, Clogs are releasing the digital-only Last Song EP. ....continue....

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The National on Colored Vinyl, $5 digital deal - July 18, 2010

The last few months have been exciting ones for The National, and we've been trying to match that excitement with plans for the back catalog. First off you can get their debut The National (s/t) right now as one of Amazon.com's $5.00 digital deals. It will be up there for the rest of July. More exciting is that are new pressings of the band's Brassland back catalog on vinyl. Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers vinyl will be available in stores on July 20th; The National (s/t) will be available in stores in the first week ....continue....

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Reports from the Road (not) by Bryan Devendorf (Glastonbury, Part 4) - July 02, 2010

In our past three news posts, The National's designated rhythm specialist Bryan Devendorf has given us a taste of what life is like working in a "mid level band" (his words, not ours). It involves NPR, car services, trans-continental flights, and an awful lot of rumination. Today, however, brings something new - namely, pictures. While Bryan chose to express himself through wry, stream of consciousness prose, guitarist Aaron Dessner and bassist Scott Devendorf took some snaps with their cameras. We thought we'd post some of our favorites - complete with pithy captions - for your viewing ....continue....