MILES OF TRANE: YES. I've already made one Grammy prediction this year, more of a hope actually for the Grams to return to legitimacy every year -- they seem to get some of it right or at least close every two or three years. I'm making my second pick here and this time I may have more of a shot since at least one critic says the band may be the best we have today. OK, it's easy to make big statements when listening to music this good, but that sentiment is bound to grow because the album holds up to close scrutiny.
The National earns our patriotic fervor again with this wonderful offering. Its universal acclaim is earned and justified. Of course they've had three years since Boxer edged them closer to sainthood and High Violet may mean the Pope has to act soon. The album starts strong and gets stronger both as it progresses through the song list and on repeated listens. A must have.
Pitchfork: Album Reviews: The National: High Violet 8.7/10.0
High Violet reviews at Metacritic.com 86/100 (Universal Acclaim)
