The National

I happen to be a big fan of the band "The National" and I find it interesting how polarizing this band seems to be among rock music lovers.  This is truly a love/hate type band. 

Some bands require an investment to "get" the music.  The National requires a bigger investment than most bands in my opinion.  Their music is very unusual and really defies classification.  There music is at both repetitive AND complex.  I find that the most satisfying art requires some time to appreciate.   The National offerings are in the category that get better and better the more you hear them.  Which I think is one reason that they are polarizing.  It would be easy to dismiss their music after one listen.  But put it on a few times (preferably with some intoxication to lubricate the mind) and it grows on you and becomes more powerful.  Their albums also truly demand a complete listen.  Their songs do not stand well in isolation and I don't think they are intended to.  Their albums seemed to be designed to take you on a mood journey and that is destroyed by cherry picking the songs. 

Anyone not familiar, I'd recommed starting with Boxer, but Alligator and High Violet are also excellent.