I missed the last full album by The National but judging from the reviews I’ve read, it was something rather special. Fortunately, I’ve just had the chance to listen to the band for myself via this mini-album of six studio tracks and one live track. Did I say mini-album? Well in track numbers that’s an appropriate description, but musically this is a very major album, and one of the finest of 2004.

I’m very taken with this album and its understated tone, supreme melodies, emotional ambience and Matt Berninger’s quite compelling vocal quality. CHERRY TREE opens with Wasp Nest, a softly rolling roots ballad, wrapped delicately in gently plucked guitar and a vocal vibe that reminds me of The Tindersticks and Lambchop. Utterly beautiful is the only possible way I can describe it. Distant guitar chords and deathly drum beats introduce the next track, the more upbeat All The Wine. It’s an opportunity for Berninger to let go a little in the vocal department and while it’s a good song it’s not up to the superb standard of others here. All Rolled-Up In Straps is back into wonderful groove status with a melody made in heaven, and an ambience and vocal that will tear your heart out with its emotional intensity.

The quality is beautifully sustained with Cherry Tree and its tumbling piano notes, relentless monotone guitar backdrop, superb lyrics, mesmerising melody, mournful fiddle, and another compelling, sincere vocal. The song slowly builds to an epic and mind-blowing instrumental crescendo before sinking back to end on a quieter note. Extraordinary!

It’s so difficult to pick a highlight here since the songs are of such devastating quality but the next track, About Today, comes pretty close. Featuring a walking-pace, gravelled vocal, softly meandering strings, gently brushed drum skins, and another incredible melody, this is a song that stays cemented in the mind. Murder Me Rachael is the gig track and provides proof-positive that this is an incredibly good live band (and one I must see!). The album closes on I Don’t Mind with one of the most moving vocal duets I’ve ever heard. This song moves along at glacial pace with the simplest single guitar backdrop, intense lyrics and a melody that will anchor you to this song’s most haunting messages.

In recent weeks, I’ve reviewed some very special music but none has had the deep emotional impact of this album. You won’t hear it on radio, you won’t see it on TV, but then the best music always has a way of finding its way into your heart. Buy this record (£6.99 at Amazon)and see what I mean.

5/5