Idolator
Time for another installment of the Coulda-Shoulda-Woulda Files, where we blow the dust off of a forgotten favorite and give its lack of chart success a once-over.
Artist: Grand National
Song: "Talk Amongst Yourselves," 2004
What happened: To be honest, until we did some quick checking on Amazon, we didn't even know that this London duo's 2004 debut Kicking The National Habit—which we'd always assumed was available only as a pricey import—had been released here in the U.S. (apparently, it was put out in March by Recall Records). Way to get the word out, guys!
Why it should have been a hit: While Grand National often gets written up as an electronic homage to the Police, the brooding, buoyant "Talk Amongst Yourselves" is one of the darkest moments on the record—pop enough for the dancefloors, yet dark enough for a Michael Mann movie.
Grand National - Talk Amongst Yourselves [MP3, link expired]
Grand National [MySpace]
Comments
Drink to moving on, from the same album, is fantastic as well. It manages to be melancholic without being broody, perfect for a Monday evening.
Great album (most of it) but these guys are HORRIBLE live, embarrassing, in a way that makes you rethink you're opinion of the album. Their opening slot at the Hot Chip show in March was one of the worst things I've ever seen at Bowery Ballroom<....
Emusic.com has the album for almost free.
I like Drink to Moving On and and Talk Amongst Yourselves.
No way, soundbitenyc! I saw them sometime in 2006 at the Merc and it was one of the most fun (and sonically solid) shows I caught all year. I've heard this album played before some really weird shows, too, including Kings of Leon/Secret Machines at Roseland.
Comment on this post
Reply by EmailLogin with your username and password below. Or comment on this post via email.
Forgot your username or password? New User?