Album Rating: 4.5

Next two, a little dip in quality but that's ok, same thing happened on 'Trouble' and this is only a first listen:



Born to Beg [3.5/5]





Turtleneck [3/5] The National still can't really rock, never have (see 'Abel', ewww), but I appreciate the effort lol

Album Rating: 4.5

Abel is the bestest you fool. Also 2nd half is amazing get ready.

Album Rating: 4.5

Ed they've probably given a Tame Impala album a 10 in that time though



Or god help us that awful M83 double album



Considering the impact this band has had I maintain that for them not have one National album rated over a 9 is criminal for that site



They accept they're one of the biggest indie bands but they are stubbornly refusing to bring out the big numbers for them. Arcade Fire drop something of this quality...instant 10 guaranteed.



I mean 'Reflektor' (bit yucky, now lost in the mists of time) got a 9...wait for it...point 2. A 9.2. Damn.

Album Rating: 4.5

Next three, building up some steam again...:



Empire Line [3.5/5]



I'll Still Destroy You [4.5/5] Ending is great.



Guilty Party [5/5] Err, ending is great again.

Album Rating: 4.5

Considering there is only one album where I've rated 6 songs 5/5 this album is getting dangerously close to 'favourite of all time' potential.



'Trouble Will Find Me' is top 5 of all time so who knows...this album could break into my all time top 3.



Getting ahead of myself, early days, but all I know is this is another album of Boxer/High Violet/Trouble' quality



Also, they definitely released the correct songs for pre release, as they are the best songs give or take.

Man how absolutely incredible is Dark Side of the Gym tho

Album Rating: 2.5 | Sound Off

You're grabbing doof dude. Calm down and have some patience dear boy.

Album Rating: 4.5

Final three...



Carin [5/5]



Dark Side of the Gym [5/5] Yeah it's like 'Hard to Find' mixed with 'Lucky You', verrrr pretty



Sleep Well Beast [4.5/5] Ooh, a different type of closer following a 'traditional closer'.

Album Rating: 4.5

You listening to this Zak?



Excellent first spin (ok, I already knew four songs reasonably well), just listening to side B again

The little key change near the end of Dark Side is my favorite moment of the album

Album Rating: 4.5

On second spin I think the closer is possibly my favourite on the whole disc

That horn or whatever that is floating in the background of of Sleep Well Beast is so beautiful

Album Rating: 4.5

I was also perhaps a little harsh on 'Turtleneck' but it'll take a little getting used to in the middle of this tracklist

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

It stays a 5.

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

Seems like another masterpiece

I like that spotify notified me this was out

Is that a new feature

Album Rating: 4.5

yeah this was great. Just as good as High Violet imo, maybe even slightly better.

Album Rating: 4.0

The National still can't really rock, never have (see 'Abel', ewww)"



Sorry dude, but now you gotta die. Available, Able, and Mr. November prove that they can rock, and definitely should now and then.

Album Rating: 4.5

None of those songs would make a top 50 National songs with the exception of Mr November which would just about scrape a top 20 maybe for me.



It's not why I'd seek out this band at all but maybe some people tune into The National for rock fair play

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

I'll Destroy You, Dark Side of the Gym and Sleep Well Beast are career highlights for The National.