BY JOHN
BACCIGALUPPI, PETER
KATIS (COLOR), GRAHAM
(COLOR), GRAHAM
MACINDOE (B/W)
The National are a musical group who have been together for 20 years, have released multiple critically acclaimed albums, all while retaining the same lineup for the entire time. The band consists of lead vocalist and primary lyricist, Matt Berninger, brothers Scott and Bryan Devendorf on bass and drums respectively, and brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner, both multi-instrumentalists. While Bryce works in the post-modern instrumental genre, composing, arranging, and collaborating with a wide range of artists (Sufjan Stevens, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Ryuichi Sakamoto), Aaron is a studio owner and record producer (Sharon Van Etten, Local Natives, Lisa Hannigan, This is the Kit). Previously I never felt fully connected to their music, but had always respected their musicianship and increasingly adventurous arrangements and production, but their new release, I Am Easy to Find, has changed that for me. This album has completely sucked me into its lyrical, emotional, and sonic world. It's a deep and ambitious LP that holds its own next to records like Radiohead's OK Computer and Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I Am Easy to Find grew out of a collaboration with filmmaker Mike Mills, who produced a short film (also titled I Am Easy to Find). Once the film was nearing completion, Mills went into the studio with the band as a co-producer and they collaborated on the album version. It's safe to say that Mills' contribution to the album is significant, and without him it seems unlikely this record would have ever sounded the way it does. One big difference is that singer Matt Berninger shares lead vocals with a cast of strong female vocalists, including Gail Ann Dorsey, Mina Tindle, Lisa Hannigan, Kate Stables (This Is the Kit), and Sharon Van Etten. This was instigated by the film's storyline, and actor Alicia Vikander, who plays the lead. The album was clearly a close collaboration between Mills, The National, and many talented artists within the band's circle of friends and family. I was able to discuss the making of I Am Easy to Find with several of the key people involved, and they shed an interesting light on the creative process involved. For understanding this project I would suggest you watch the film as an entry point, and then enjoy the music.
