The National is: Matt Berninger (Vocals), Aaron Dessner (guitars, bass), Bryce Dessner (guitar), Scott Devendorf (guitar; bass), and Bryan Devendorf (drums)
These guys just sound like Interpol. That’s what my friend said when I played this album for him. I was not exactly happy about this. Yes, Matt Berninger does sing with a Baritone voice, so the comparisons to Paul Banks are inevitable. But really, I do not think the comparison to Interpol is exactly accurate. There are Interpol aspects (sweet drumming, baritone voice, awesomeness), but I get move of a Wilco/Uncle Tupelo vibe from this Brooklyn-based (formerly Cincinnati-based) group. Not that it's necessary for them to sound like someone else. They do their own thing quite well.
This is the groups third proper full length, with an EP thrown in somewhere in the middle. The only other one I am familiar with is their previous effort, Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers. The lyrics on Sad Songs are top notch. Just look up Cardinal Song and you'll see what I mean. But I think that this group has stepped up the music to go along with the lyrics on this new album.
The best reason for their musical improvement is that this CD is that it is centered more around drums than Sad Songs. Many of the best tracks are driven by their drummer, Bryan Devendorf, and the drums have definitely been brought forward in the mix. (Pitchfork's review first brought this obvious difference to my attention). I find myself always air drumming along with this band, not my standard air guitar. Just check out one of my favorite tracks, Mr. November" for some driving drums (and a phenomenal chorus that I find myself yelling along to multiple times daily. And I don't even know what it's about.)
The guitar hooks and everything else are right there as well. I much prefer their uptempo catchy songs to their ballad attempts. Sad Songs was loaded down with slowness, but this album has just the right mix. The single, Abel is fun, but not even one of my favorites. I recommend checking out Mr. November, Lit Up, City Middle, Karen, Daughters of the Soho Riots, and All The Wine (in roughly that order). And then check out the whole album, because it is delightful.
There are a few low points on the album for me (Val Jester in particular), but I think that this is The National's best record to date, and I can't imagine what they can do to top this in the future. One of the better albums released in 2005, they have successfully blended their talents for lyric writing with song writing and have come up with a beautiful, fun, and exciting album. A big thumbs up here!
