If I was to compare this music to anything, which is a bad habit, then The National seem to come across as Echo and the Bunnymen meet Big Country by way of R.E.M. - and it is meant as a compliment, however lopsided.

I love The National and I too was late to the party. I keep singing the chorus from "Conversation 16" over and over: "Because I AM EVIL." A bonus is that the video has Kirsten Schaal AND John Slattery. They're coming to Montreal in December with Neko Case, which is a bill of full of fantastic, but the ticket prices will keep this poor baker at home.

I used to live just a few miles away from Aztec Camera, and I can definitely see where you get The Chameleons from. Two of my favourite ever tracks are 'Tears' and 'Swamp Thing' - wonderful and underrated band.