Dark and stormy

I think it's attractive to like The National. I also think it's a bit hot to like Arab Strap, which is a band I never listen to and used to dislike, but now sort of don't mind, even though I never listen to them. It's better to like (Smog) than to dislike them, especially the wonderful Supper album, but Bill Callahan's solo material doesn't seem quite so splendid. I've revised my (Smog) allowances from 1 or 2 to 2 - 4. I would rather see Nick Cave's No more shall we part than The boatman's call. Interpol's Turn on the bright lights is still encouraged, but any albums thereafter I am still not sure. Okkervil River and Sparklehorse may both demand more of a listen. Elbow are great and you could have 2 - 3 albums, and Spoon's best are Girls can tell and Kill the moonlight, I suspect.