The Useless Critic 2.0

Not my photo! Click the link! So The National have returned with their first album since 2013 and with much (justifiable) fanfare. I feel like some bands/artists have the public's adoration always at their side: Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, The National. I almost wince a little when I tell people they are my favorite band, because I almost feel like I'm clinging to some sort of bandwagon/it cheapens them. Almost.  But there's a reason that The National are so well-respected and so well-loved: They're that good. "Sleep Well Beast" seems to follow at the very point where 2013's "Trouble Will Find Me" left off, albeit into more adventurous territory. This was present in two of the first singles from the album: "The System Only Dreams In Darkness" and "Guilty Party." I have to admit "Guilty Party" was a grower for me, but that's sort of the appeal of The National. They're good, but subtly so. It's ...

The National are back in full form with this one. Terrible title, but otherwise GREAT song.  "I can't explain it any other way," which makes total sense as the title makes no sense. I guess their new album is about a marriage disintegrating. Feel-good anthems for the year! Nonetheless, I'm excited. No one does heartbreak as well as The National, IMO. 

(Yes, I do believe in Block-style for headlines. Like MTV.) Spring brings with it a few things: - Cadbury Eggs Can you feel your arteries clogging? - Visibly Pregnant Kate Middleton I guess? - Depressing Economic News This came up when I googled "Barack Obama." I've missed the connection, but it's there. Somewhere. Also, the National have announced they are working on a new album and WILL be touring this spring! Seeing as "High Violet" came out in 2010 (when I had graduated college and was still relatively innocent) it's about TIME. It will be out in May . I consider it an early birthday present. They've announced dates in the East, including Pittsburgh (!) and Ithaca (?). Plus, all those European dates. I cross my fingers I see a Phoenix date appear although God knows it will probably expensive and I'll have to sign up to do some mud-wrestling on Craigslist to afford tickets (as Bat For Lashes will be hurr next month...