It may be almost impossible to believe for longtime fans, but the National are just about a household name. The band has continued to write well-crafted, heartbreak-ridden tunes that have grown increasingly dark, yet more relatable since the release of their self-titled debut in 2001. The band’s upward trajectory deems their current tour with rock legends R.E.M. and Modest Mouse one that could potentially be historical.
Their last release, 2007’s Boxer, was a commercial and critical breakthrough in which die-hard fans as well as newcomers were begging for more. For the newcomers, the band’s back catalog was a great place to start-for little did most know that there were three prior LP’s from the National. However, serious National fans had to wait.
On the DVD A Skin, A Night by Vincent Moon and its accompanying The Virginia EP, we must understand (and hope) the wait is not over, but slightly satiated.
The DVD documents the creation of the masterpiece that became Boxer. The film was shot in a uniquely sinister way that focuses more on odd camera angles, inaudible snippets of interviews, and interrupted songs than the gorgeousness of Boxer. It becomes quickly evident that this will only work for the biggest of National fans.
In it’s originality, the film falls in on itself. There are too many gaps. We get a glimpse of the emotion that goes into the making of this record, yet unlike the album itself, it is not relatable.
On the accompanying Virginia EP, which in all actuality is too long for EP status, the band shares their b-sides, early versions of tracks and live songs from Boxer. And though some of the songs stand up on their own, all in all, the “EP” falters as well.
In a dreaded era for the music fanatic, when the download is king and the full-length is hanging on by a needle and thread, b-sides are the one way we can embrace the download. Though the EP is a free addition to A Skin, A Night, it will certainly end up in a few used bins at the record store. Even then, unless you are National-head, skip the EP and download a few of the standouts.
The two entities, though packaged together, seem unrelated. Though highlights abound, the existence of both seems almost unnecessary. As it goes for most b-sides records and documentaries, big fans will argue. And big fans would be right in doing so, for A Skin, A Night and The Virginia EP was made just for you.
|