The National - Alphabet City (Official Video)

'Alphabet City' by The National, from new album 'Laugh Track': thenational.ff...
Animation and drawings by Pauline de Lassus
Original photographs by Brent Walter-Ballantyne

[@mostafaseyedan1034]

I don't miss the world, not the way it was I can't get there Try to think of it, always at a loss I can't get there All of your lonesomeness kept in your wallet Nobody notices, baby, you got this I'll still be here when you come back from space I will listen for you at the door Take forever off anytime you want I'll save your place If anybody asks, I'll say you're coming back We'll just have to wait Sometimes I wanna drive around and find you And act like it's a random thing I always wonder if you ever feel Like I blew all chances of this happening I'm not ever it, don't know what it is I can't get there Something's wrong with me like it always is I can't get there All of your lonesomeness kept in your wallet Nobody notices, baby, you got this Everything's orchestrated, follow the arrows Let's meet where we used to in Alphabet City I'll still be here when you come back from space I will listen for you at the door Sometimes I barely recognize this place When you're with me, I don't miss the world

[@tomwithlove91]

Thank you ♥️

[@SprinkzMC]

For me this is their best song in 2+ years. Love the high-pitched violin at 0:46

[@rufuspipemos]

it's a perfect compliment.

[@SoberHusky]

This song is a monster.

[@alisoncarey9546]

How on earth have they not got millions of subscribers. It blows my mind. Saw them in concert last night. Best concert I've ever been to. The skill, the power. ❤just breathtaking

[@h0pesfall]

Because most people only listen to what they see in the charts and hear on TikTok and don't look out for gems like this. :)

[@nikmartin6668]

I’m glad they don’t have a bazillion fans. Still playing the best medium size venues so you can get up close and feel it all deeply.

[@jsegura525]

@@nikmartin6668we were row six in Albuquerque on 11-15-23

[@protosnrxped8082]

Amigo mío, las mejores cosas en la vida nunca son masivas

[@chambanachik1]

Every National song is one I needed.

[@breathinggreen2790]

Yes. Spot on.

[@GracelessBeast]

In love with this song! Guitars, piano, electronic elements, Matt’s singing. Chef’s kiss!

[@rain_down_]

'Sometimes I wanna drive around and find you And act like it's a random thing' Done that so many times.

[@cagey1415]

Adore this

[@eevae]

Bring on July in London! Too good.

[@collapsingspace]

I like how this song starts off like its from the sad songs for dirtly lovers era Then lyrics shifts to high violet and then builds up in sleep well beast style and closes off like a mix of SWB and IAETF ❤

[@AvianaPatterson]

This is not song. This is pure art . Great song! Thanks..

[@kubrickking5101]

I first discovered the NTL when I was 17 after High Violet dropped, and saw them in Orlando on that same tour. Sleep Well Beast is my all time favorite National record (with Boxer, Cherry Tree, Alligator and TWFM not too far behind). Their most recent release has been my least favorite of theirs so far (not sure if it’s better than their debit.. ask me in 3 months). All that being said, these 5 men are a permanent piece of my medium sized American life and although I’m on a slight Bloodbuzz and stoned tonight, I will gracefully be listening to this track til I pass out. Through thick and thin, I’m with these guys.. Matt’s debut solo record is pretty damn good btw - check it out

[@josemanuelalarconfernandez5061]

😮

[@greatescapegames]

For me, the latest record is their best. New Order T-Shirt, Once Upon A Poolside and The Alcott are "10's".

[@lastword4316]

Funny, can’t argue with that as that’s your taste, but I’d put their latest stuff right up there with their best work. Latest album flows start to finish for me

[@genghis_connie]

Those strings are a perfect touch.

[@Baribrotzer]

Bryce is the band's secret weapon: His real career is as a formally trained classical composer - a pretty decent one - and the National is his day job. So he knows orchestration and harmony cold, in a way very few guys in rock do. Though they sound quite different, his string parts are on a level with the ones Paul Buckmaster wrote for Elton John.

[@genghis_connie]

@@Baribrotzer he most certainly is. I’ve been in awe of him for so long. His arrangements, playing with time signatures - not many have such a recognizable sound. More and more as each album comes. That said, I’m WAY into the horns. Always never not signature perfection.

[@dasOzeangefuhl]

"Sometimes I wanna drive around and find you, and act like it's a random thing" That gave me away!

[@EdgarHammer847]

Thanks for stepping off tour to join David Letterman on Kimmel. So gracious and a sweet tribute to do that.

[@abcun17]

With this song, The National perfectly captures the confusing and uncertain nature of the strange days we are living through...

[@Kurvits]

I haven't been excited for new National material since Trouble Will Find Me but these two tracks did it for me. Some kind of grandeur and universality has returned to them.

[@AndrewKrys]

??????😢

[@DMOWAIVERS]

Dude the albums following “trouble will find me” were some of the best material they’ve ever recorded…. Sleep Well Beast? I Am Easy to Find?

[@Kurvits]

I completely understand how others can like them, but personally I find it hard to go along with Berginger's marital troubles that started in the lyrics to SWB (I wanna jump in and yell: you both have a drinking problem, half the lyrics are about you alcohol, that's why you're fighting, you're 50, quit drinking if you want a stable marriage :D) and electronic percussion spoils the biggest draw of The National to me -- Davenport's drumming (back on this new album although it's STILL another marriage trouble album). Some great songs like The System and Nobody Else (wish that was their first and last divorce song), but I like I Am Easy More -- the run from Quiet Light to Hey Rosey is the strongest on their new weak albums, and the marital troubles take a bit of a back seat, though they're still there, and the electronic percussion is more mid than ever. Frankenstein dialed all that up to 10, both the middling electronics and the monotone lyrical matter. I had high hopes for Laugh Track, but it's mostly just. a slightly better Frankenstein with the drums finally back but Beringer still mostly and sadly lagging in the past, except on Alphabet City where he's more abstract and ominous, and Smoke Detector where he finds something new in himself at last -- though the song could be, paradoxically, a little more developed instrumentation-wise. This new Taylor Swift National just can't get it right for me :( @@DMOWAIVERS

[@randiway7476]

Almost forgot to listen to this one today ❤

[@danielsonsilveira]

i love this vibe

[@JamesMarsh1]

Phenomenal way to close my day! Thank you!

[@snipermafia3609]

I love that art, looks like Little Big Planet

[@lancsl4d]

1 of the best bands of the last 15 yrs...no shit

[@lovebites73]

OMG. This makes me feel emotional 😢

[@Brunellahumano]

Gracias The National. Por siempre gracias.

[@DMOWAIVERS]

This album justified FTPOF. My biggest problem with that album had been a feeling of incompleteness. It was underwhelming to I Am Easy To Find. Put both new albums on a playlist and shuffle them. You will hear FTPOF differently. Laugh Track is phenomenal.

[@paulgardner-uy6fh]

Yeah so underrated in my view brilliant band

[@codycooke4461]

AYY BOTH NEW SONGS ARE SO GOOD!

[@SteveBogia]

This song is "Sad Dad" approved.

[@raquelbatista1138]

I love you, guys! Please, hurry up, come back to Brazil. ♥

[@carinegrisolet6027]

Très bien pour commencer la journée ! Merci.

[@gilashery]

what a great surprise! love it!

[@candicegallegos5381]

The end….wow. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@egos0108]

Qué bonito video. Ya tenía días de no ver videos tan sencillos y creativos. Linda canción también. Saludos

[@andrewbell6151]

New old National :D

[@井桁卓真-b7t]

I was touched by your deep spiritual beautiful song!!! great songwriting!!! great work!!!

[@Aiur]

What a treat

[@ryanbdykes]

Great song! Thanks.

[@sebastienhirel1226]

Different, keep building on this

[@James-t4l7r]

This is good thanks. Funny wake up hard night cold by fire. New national warns soul

[@graemedevine9651]

I've got all their albums each one is amazing, their most recent is incredible pulls emotions out from everywhere, there must be a new album coming soon.

[@ThePigeon5734]

they literally JUST released one not even four months ago, I don't think another one will be coming for a while.

[@thereligion4169]

@@ThePigeon5734 lol

[@bbradleyjoness]

Love this!

[@Sarah-np6ke]

I love the national. is it just me or is this a reference to Elliott smith

[@madamebri]

Oh this is lovely!

[@bluepalette5327]

always so very nice

[@fredchannelYT]

This video is really well done 👏🏻

[@kayleyraemusic]

The animations are so lovely.

[@LUV-do]

That was sooo good and beautiful Ommmmmggg

[@maysan9878]

This is fire 🔥🔥🔥 Your voice is just amazing 🤩

[@ardhiynwa556]

This is not song. This is pure art ❤

[@Gonzora]

I mean, music is literally considered an art form, so...

[@GCLU]

That ending is a love child between High Violet and Sleep Well Beast. Oh yes.

[@lurerodriguez5454]

Loveeeee them ❤

[@petradorfert5412]

Wow!!!!

[@jonathanmitchell8668]

SAD DADS FOR LIFE

[@jsegura525]

Can someone explain why it’s “sad dads” music and not say sad folks or husbands or peoples music? Why the emphasis on dads?

[@dmoon13]

@@jsegura525it rhymes

[@precisionroofersllc3073]

What an amazing comment, if we ever cross paths I would insist on paying for the first round of drinks my friend! And a Toast; to all the "Sad Dad's"!

[@111usul]

and Iron Maiden

[@arickmccance3972]

Intellectual laziness Just like : Yacht Rock

[@Cyberdine.Systems.Model-101]

Next album is called Last two pages of Frankenstein 😅

[@yabberish]

Awesome

[@Ivl0lvl]

wow!

[@elidagdagan2780]

I’m getting Sad Father Vibes right now 🥲

[@Genny-Zee]

Cool

[@lifeofnanaa]

is this just a single (an amazing one) or does this mean a new album is coming? either way I am happy to have this new song ☺️

[@father042]

It's probably just an outtake

[@codycooke4461]

A new album, hopefully announced today!

[@Teeheehee093]

New album in September seems to be the rumour

[@lifeofnanaa]

@@Teeheehee093 wow that would be fast after the last one! not gonna get too excited about a rumour though 😄

[@jeffreyroedel9804]

Strong rumors of a new album this fall. First Two Pages of Frankenstein was just half the songs they recorded over the last two years. Looks like we are getting the other half soon!

[@josefranciscojf2752]

I already liked First Two Pages of Frankenstein, but this song is amazing. I have no idea if this song will be part of a future new studio album, since by the name of the new album the next one would be a continuation? Second Two Pages of Frankenstein perhaps being the title?

[@asheep6682]

great！

[@williamglenn777]

"Welcome to Alphabet City. If you're not on the way up, you're on the way out. Alphabet City. It heats up when the sun goes down... Alphabet City, staring Vincent Spano."

[@vincentboudreault4886]

is there a deluxe edition of their new album with all those great songs like this one?

[@vincentboudreault4886]

thank you very much for the info!@@LylacBPX

[@ciszonek]

we need the National feat. Samia❤❤❤

[@anselmoecheverria6342]

inco meses después del lanzamiento de su noveno álbum de estudio, “First Two Pages Of Frankenstein” y cuando ya están inmersos en la gira de presentación, The National han decidido publicar dos canciones nuevas: "Alphabet City" y "Space Invader", que vienen acompañadas de dos videoclips animados dirigidos por Noah Sacré y la ilustradora y animadora gráfica Pauline de Lassus, junto al acompañamiento fotográfico de Brent Walter-Ballantyne. "Alphabet City" juega con delays, en un enfoque más cercano a los cortes más experimentales de los dos últimos álbumes, con un final apoteósico. Se ilustra con paisajes urbanos que se van convirtiendo en brochazos de color. Música independiente novedades

[@adam_atom]

You dropped me some gifts

[@mariawanker4794]

All for you 🙏❤️

[@CasperVanderlyle]

Wish the whole song was like the ending

[@lilyroseable]

sounds like Bowie

[@Kontaminacija]

Swell tune gents, 10x

[@rufuspipemos]

Good lord this is a great song.

[@raggedrec]

i miss when Bryan had more to do on drums.

[@wphantom]

Space Invader would like a word with you

[@raggedrec]

see my comment on that video watched it right after this one last night :)@@wphantom

[@Astrokittens]

Another nudge towards space invaders which has enough Bryan to fill two albums all in one song. He goes hard on that one

[@rodolfotorres2349]

Holy smokes

[@darrenwarr3713]

We are all in alphabet city now.

[@sebastianomasutti2985]

Mi ricordano i Talk Talk.

[@evaforsberg5442]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@m.tanha.7113]

Please insert lyrics on video

[@Yamatosazaki]

Canção foda ❤

[@andrewrobison581]

its happened, im back. temet nosce - memento mori amor

[@darrenwarr3713]

Don't forget the better bet.

[@John-eg3gy]

ELECTRONICA

[@mischiefprettybottle]

I don’t miss the world Not the way it was Me either.

[@edvandromauricio7353]

Único angolano

[@quentincrisp6933]

This song skips a beat along with the video graphics! Geez!

[@duboyskiy]

🔻

[@Bluestate25]

Wowww. Every thing they do is amazing. Now this. How do they keep so consitant? God inspired. They are doing what God intended them to do. 😀❤️💚🎵🎼

[@mach7056]

Sounds a bit like Chris Rea

[@synthesizerneil]

I remember when I first heard The National around 2006 and being obsessed with them for so many years At this point I'm just completely done trying to listen to them. The last few albums just get more and more boring. They're trying to hard to be different and fit the same vocals into a different musical formula and it just isn't working for me. It'd be different if only a few songs were like this... This slow repetitive music with an almost narrator like vocals... But now it's literally every song. So disappointed

[@thereligion4169]

WHAT IS THIS JUST DROP A SINGLE RIGHT AFTER TWO PAGES OF TAYLOR SWIFT GOD BLESS

[@LeonorGrosso]

*Pages of Frankenstein, please leave that cult out of our The National cult ✌️

[@user-ez2qd3gu5v]

ColdPlay tearsdrop of waterfall?!!

[@shaycostello888]

Different planets

[@user-ez2qd3gu5v]

@@shaycostello888 i'm talk about vídeo music

[@thewandering3303]

Boring song!

[@rombar4486]

If you find it boring, you don't need to waste your time writing a pointless comment.