Seraphina Lotkhamnga on March 10th, 2011

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It was not a surprise to see “High Violet” appear on many Best of 2010 lists after the New York indie rockers released one of their finest albums to date. However, with Matt Berninger’s baritone voice and stoic manners in the midst of instrumental flourishes, the National isn’t considered to be a band who often looks on the bright side. As majestic as it sounded, themes of fear loomed over their latest album. What does come as a surprise is their new wacky video for “Conversation 16,” which stars Kristen Schaal (“The Daily Show,” “Flight of the Concords”) as a zany but lonely President and John Slattery (“Mad Men”) as one of her Secret Service agents who hilariously subdues his love for the First Lady. Directed by “Daily Show” writer, Scott Jacobson, the juxtaposition of the National’s seriousness and the actors’ dramatic comedy creates a pretty entertaining watch.

||| Live: The National headlines September 11 at the Hollywood Bowl with Neko Case and Sharon Van Etten supporting.