The National - The Virginia EP / The Hold Steady - "Sequestered in Memphis"

I know The National's Virginia EP leaked last week, but I still have some catching up to do and I figured it was worth a post regardless of that fact. The Virginia EP is packaged with A Skin, A Night, a film directed by Vincent Moon that centers on the making of 2007's Boxer album. Although the EP doesn't contain any brand new songs, it does include a nice collection of b-sides, demos, and live tracks. Most hardcore fans of The National will recognize many (if not all) of these tracks, but the EP is definitely worth checking out, if only for the live songs that really show off The National's great stage presence and sound (especially the last three minutes of "About Today.") It's hard for me to recommend songs by this band, because anyone that knows me personally knows how obsessed with them I am. But such b-sides as "Santa Clara" and "Tall Saint," or even a rough demo like "Rest of Years," are enough proof that The Virginia EP is not just a throwaway disc of bonus tracks, it's a well-rounded addition to any National fan's music library.

DOWNLOAD: The National - The Virginia EP [Beggars Banquet]
Recommended Tracks: "Santa Clara," "Tall Saint," "Slow Show," "Mansion On A Hill," "Fake Empire (Live)," "About Today (Live)."



Because most of you have probably downloaded The National's Virginia EP already, I decided to include The Hold Steady's brand new single, "Sequestered in Memphis," with this post. The track was posted on their MySpace a few days ago and has been floating around on the internet since then. From their new album, Stay Positive, due out July 15th, the single features a great sing-along chorus with the lyrics "Subpoenaed in Texas / sequestered in Memphis," driving guitars, and upbeat horns that really carry the weight of the song. After hearing this track, there's no doubt that Stay Positive is going to be another great effort from The Hold Steady.

DOWNLOAD: The Hold Steady - "Sequestered In Memphis"