“We’re getting really excited about the new record already,” Matt Berninger said recently. “So we might dive into the writing process right away. I feel we’re kind of ready.” Now, just a few days following that interview, our first preview of the National’s “less cerebral and academic” new material is here, as they debuted two fresh cuts on CBC’s Q Radio today: “Rylan” and “I Need My Girl.” Video of the folky latter tune is above, while both songs from the radio broadcast can be streamed here. Update: Now we have clips of Justin Vernon joining the band for “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks” and “Rylan” after the jump.
Bon Iver
Kathleen Edwards, ‘Change the Sheets’ Video
The first single off Kathleen Edwards’ forthcoming Voyageur LP — “a road ditty” that she warned “might make you drive faster” — now has an official video replete with fitting footage of Edwards and her band pounding the pavement on recent tours. While director Dan Huiting traces the tune’s steady pace by cutting time-lapse photography with behind-the-scenes moments and live coverage of Edwards unveiling “Change the Sheets” to various crowds, you might spot a cameo from the record’s co-producer, Justin Vernon. Check it out above.
Previously: “Sidecar”
Kathleen Edwards: “Sidecar”
Last month, Kathleen Edwards shared “Change the Sheets,” a promising first preview of her forthcoming Voyageur LP, which was co-produced by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Here’s our second taste: “Sidecar,” a concise, uplifting ode to new love — complete with a turn of phrase that recalls many of the lyrical moments that have endeared me most to Edwards’ past work. “You and I will be sidecars,” she declares in the chorus (note the artwork), “there to chase down the hard stuff.” Give it a spin above.