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Upcoming Release Calendar
64
A Camp Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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Alligator
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This is the third LP for the Brooklyn five-piece fronted by deep-voiced Matt Berninger.
| LABEL: | Beggars Banquet |
| RELEASE DATE: | 12 April 2005 |
| DISCS: | 1 disc |
| GENRE(S): | Indie, Rock |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this album is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 69 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Jonny R. gave it a9:
The National decided to leave three of their best songs off Alligator: 'Warm Singing Whores', 'The Thrilling of Claire', and the exceptional 'Driver, Surprise Me' were all scrapped. However, ‘Looking For Astronauts’, ‘Friend of Mine’, and ‘Val Jester’ unfortunately made the final cut. Still, it’s a remarkable album and nearly flawless, but I would recommend seeking out the b-sides that didn’t make it, because they’re just as good, if not better, than many of the songs that made the album.
David R. gave it a10:
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.
Steve C gave it a10:
Simple - One of the best albums of all time.
Mark M. gave it a10:
Best album of 2007 (and 2005). Found out about this album through reviews of "The Boxer" (a great album in its own right) and cannot stop listening. Reminiscent of Interpol's first album with more obtuse lyrics and slightly less gloom. Along with Spoon, one of the few rock bands making great R&R music.
Sean O. gave it a10:
I listen to an awful lot of music and this is one of the most wonderful albums I've come across in a long long time. Wonderful subtle and quirky lyrics, great voice and excellent music. "Just say something perfect, something I can steal Say, look at me Baby, we'll be fine All we've gotta do is be brave and be kind".
Kyle gave it a9:
All the National do is make great albums.
Frank gave it a4:
very overrated and boring. Nothing really amazing here, it just isn't memorable.

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