Matt Berninger of The National talks about being influenced by The Smiths

Matt Berninger... got to love this guy ~ 23:25 min+ [ thanks Keith! ]

Bullseye with Jesse Thorn - Stitcher
Syl Johnson, Gillian Flynn and Matt Berninger from The National

...Matt Berninger from the band The National remembers sitting in a golf cart on a driving range, being pelted with golf balls, and taking solace in music of The Smiths.
 
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This is brilliant. Great story, great visuals... loved it! Listen to it even if you are not a Matt Berninger fan.
 
I like their sound but can't get past the band name. How could Smiths fans name their band The National and not expect neo-Nazi connotations? I know they support Barack Obama and all, but I've heard a lot better Smiths-inspired band names.
 
I like their sound but can't get past the band name. How could Smiths fans name their band The National and not expect neo-Nazi connotations? I know they support Barack Obama and all, but I've heard a lot better Smiths-inspired band names.

Did you listen to the interview? He never says his band's name is Smiths-inspired. The term The National doesn't have the same negative baggage attached to it over here as it does in the UK and Europe. We use the term national frequently and with warm affection in the US. National park, national monument, national anthem, etc. There is no neo-Nazi symbolism connected to it. Even the word nationalist doesn't have the cringe factor over here as it is rarely used to describe a group. Right now the hot button word for the Republican party is socialist. I think the key to understanding that they are not neo-Nazi's is that they are an American band. Matt Berninger has stated that they chose the name The National precisely because it was generic and means nothing, much in the same way that Morrissey picked The Smiths, because it was common and very run-of-the-mill. So, in this regard, the reason for choosing the names are similar. But the name, The National, is not supposed to be a Smiths' offshoot.
 
MamaKass you need to get over the Nazi idea . That idea is so odd !! Are you thinking about the Moz song National Front Disco ? Matt probably listened to and liked the song but that is where it ends. Gee wiz ....... what a funny connection ?
realitybites gives a very good answer . Nice work !
 
MamaKass you need to get over the Nazi idea . That idea is so odd !! Are you thinking about the Moz song National Front Disco ? Matt probably listened to and liked the song but that is where it ends. Gee wiz ....... what a funny connection ?
realitybites gives a very good answer . Nice work !

I was carried to Ohio (Akron native) in a swarm of bees... :)
 
I love it ! My o my how I like that song ! The Rubber City was my home for several years (school days) . Chrissie Hynde keeps the town rocking !
 
I love it ! My o my how I like that song ! The Rubber City was my home for several years (school days) . Chrissie Hynde keeps the town rocking !

She went to my high school--before my time though. The Black Keys are from Akron as well.
 
The Black Keys ..................... No way ! I always wondered if The Smiths or Morrissey ever came to town . Just would think of this as I walked downtown past the Civic theatre. Goodness what a ........... lonely place...... after 6 pm.
 
The Black Keys ..................... No way ! I always wondered if The Smiths or Morrissey ever came to town . Just would think of this as I walked downtown past the Civic theatre. Goodness what a ........... lonely place...... after 6 pm.

The new library kicks ass though.
 

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