Alligator - The National
Alligator Image
  • Summary: This is the third LP for the Brooklyn five-piece fronted by deep-voiced Matt Berninger.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. 100
    It's their first masterpiece. [Album of the Month, May 2005, p.94]
  2. 100
    It is the sound of Interpol as reinterpreted by Tom Waits--a breathtaking album with bite.
  3. It's music for downhearted cattle rustlers to mournfully skin steers to. [9 Apr 2005, p.58]

See all 21 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 47
  2. Negative: 0 out of 47
  1. DavidR.
    10
    A lot appears to have been made about this guys lyrics, with one review dedicated entirely to ripping them for being cold and dispassionate. Talk to any creative person and they will tell you art normally flows from sadness and misery. These songs are not uplifting nor are they meant to be. The album is great because it's a perfect expression of someone who admits to his patchy failures, marginal successes, and ultimately the women whom he has used to get through life. Most of the songs sound like they are written on a hungover a few days after breaking up his girlfriend. The songs are deceptively straightforward and beautifully layered, and his lyrics are thought provoking and emotionally delivered. This album truly deserves a 10 and is their best. Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. SteveC
    10
    Simple - One of the best albums of all time.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. Frank
    4
    very overrated and boring. Nothing really amazing here, it just isn't memorable.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 47 User Reviews

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