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The National - The Year In Review: The National
The National : The Year In Review: The National
24th December 2010

Artist: The National
Title: High Violet
Cat No: CAD3X03
Release date: 10th May 2010

No. 1 - Music OMH Albums of the Year
No. 2 - Drowned in Sound Albums of the Year
No. 2 - The Telegraph Albums of the Year
No. 2 - The Skinny Albums of the Year
No. 3 - Gigwise Albums of the Year
No. 5 - The Sunday Times Albums of the Year
No. 7 - The Fly Albums of the Year
No. 8 - Q 50 Albums of The Year
No. 11 - NME Albums of The Year
No. 13 - Rough Trade Albums of the Year
No. 14 - Uncut Albums of the Year
No. 15 - Rolling Stone Albums of the Year
No. 28 - Pitchfork Albums of the Year


The fifth studio album by The National, High Violet, was released in May 2010. Recording the album's eleven tracks between their own studio in Brooklyn and Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, Connecticut, it was the mission statement defining Bloodbuzz Ohio that was the first single to be taken from the album. Received with a rare critical enthusiasm and earning incredible reviews across the board, High Violet saw The National firmly establish themselves as one of the most direct and affecting band's in the world.

On the back of the album's huge critical success, the band took to the road, playing numerous high profile festival shows across the world. They then ended the year touring Europe and playing three back-to-back sold out shows at the 5000-capacity Brixton Academy in the UK. Amidst their busy schedule, The National also found time to record a live session for Pitchfork at Castle Rock. See below for their performance of 'Terrible Love'.

An expanded edition of the album was released in November, containing a bonus disc which included several new songs and an alternate version of album track, 'Terrible Love'. A limited 7" featuring 'Terrible Love' and an additional track from the second CD of the expanded edition of High Violet was also released on purple vinyl.

Looking ahead into the new year, The National will continue to tour throughout 2011 in support of High Violet. This will include dates in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Europe, North America, among others.

High Violet is out now on CD, LP and download.

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