This album got one of the best reviews I can imagine here.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monitormix/2007/12/impending_cheer.html

Andrew Bird doesn't like The National? What's his problem? Is he trying to start a war?

My dad likes The National more than Andrew Bird, which surprised me.

oh, Stinger is my old man. I don't suppose everyone knows that.

I appreciate your certainty. I must admit, though, that I've yet to break beyond the bounds of Rhymesayers in my hip hop / rap listening. Why do I feel some guilt about this?

A buddy of mine from Yale-then-Chicago told me about this band for years, but by the time I finally checked them out (and loved this album), I'd moved away. If he was on the internet in any meaningful way, I'd thank him and ask him to join this site.

Another note: even Stinger seemed to like this band, which makes at least two bands we both like (the first is the Beatles).