very soothing, “take a sad shower, get dressed sadly, and go out when it is a bit cold and sad, and introspect” kind of album.

the national feels less personal, more conversational. as if matt realized that there are a lot of people listening to their music and navigating through life with it.

so now they’re taking responsibility for that.

maybe because they are getting better at / used to being dads.

honestly i am always waiting for a wink at the boxer / high violet era. i got one in this album. obviously that is not the direction they are taking.

one last thing tonight,

there are no perfect lyrics, delivered in the perfect way in this album. i think that used to be the most the national thing.