Taxonomically and musically, The National trumps 'em all. Scott and Bryan Devendorf; Aaron and Bryce Dessner; Matt Berninger. This is The National: two sets of brothers, one tall blonde--five displaced Ohioans living in Brooklyn exile. In spirit, however, they're not far from the heart of it all. Rooted in the electric rock sound of their native Ohio Valley--Guided by Voices, Afghan Whigs, Scrawl, Ass Ponys, Palace Brothers (from across the Kentucky border), Leonard Cohen (okay, he's Canadian), and tens of other bands no one's ever heard of--The National have brought a little bit of the Midwest back east. They've brought their songs with them and for that you should be thankful.

Our suggestion for full enjoyment: Listen once. Stop. Go for a walk. Breathe in the world's rich air. Listen again. You'll relive the textures and remember the songs, tales of women and (whiskey and) water all mixed up in the rivers that wrap around New York City. This is classic American music--well