The National are not conventional song writers, you cannot breeze over these tunes, they're too clever. Because after several months of constant listening, you will on chance see a random word, hear a random note, and then without realizing it, you can't get one of these tunes to leave you alone. Songs on this album that were at one point less than desirable completely open up when on a whim you realize just how magnificent the lyrics are, how characteristic the guitar is, or how pounding the drums sound. And then my friend, you will be hooked, and keep coming back for more. Recommended to fans of the band's previous works, and anyone who has learned to listen more than once before casting aside to make room for more Elliott Smith b-sides.
The National - Gospel