Band: The National
Release: 5/2010
Label: 4AD

1. “Terrible Love” – A-
2. “Sorrow” – A-
3. “Anyone’s Ghost” – A-
4. “Little Faith” – A-
5. “Afraid of Everyone” – A-
6. “Bloodbuzz Ohio” – B
7. “Lemonworld” – B
8. “Runaway” – B
9. “Conversation 16” – A-
10. “England” – B
11. “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks” – B+

Comments: If you are looking to chill out and listen to some music, pop this on. If you are looking to dance like a hound or excessively head bob or pogo, you might want to pass. For what this album is worth, it’s a great listening experience. Sit back and enjoy. It’s not one of the best album’s I’ve heard in 2010 because it only offers an “in-the-now” sense of urgency. Perhaps on a rainy day or after breaking up with your girlfriend this works. The first five songs are excellently engineered and produced and are seemingly artistically flawless. After a set of three tracks (6-8) that are a little weaker than the previous five, The National step up their game with “Conversation 16.”

Grade: B+ (88)