For the first half of September, I’ll be selecting my Top 15 favorite songs from The National. A band that has rarely let me down — both in the recording studio and in concert. #FaveArtistTop15

High Violet came out a week after our oldest child was born. In those first few weeks, I would hold our tiny, precious baby and sing songs to her. I’d sing “Anyone’s Ghost”, “Bloodbuzz Ohio” and others. I wanted her to know these great songs and to have the same love for music that her daddy has. But one song I never sang to her was “England”. It’s one of my favorite tracks off my favorite National album. But it’s not really a sing-song-y kind of song. And that might just be exactly why I love it so much.

“England” is rich, intense and epic. It unravels and intensifies with each passing second. It’s a steady 5 minute long crescendo where horns and strings are the stars and Bryce’s electric guitar fades humbly into the background. I’ve seen The National play it live twice, and both times Berninger ratcheted up the intensity several notches, pushing his vocal chords to the limits in the bridge. Rounding out High VIolet with an enveloping, cinematic feel, “England” is less rock band, more orchestra.

“Someone send a runner for the feeling that I lost today.”