New York magazine has a brief but excellent interview with The National’s Matt Berninger, wherein the soft-spoken vocalist comments on his band’s willingness to eschew staying an underground secret in favor of reaching more fans. But the best part is his reaction to the characterization of his unique vocal style by various journalists:

Critics get very creative about describing your voice — what’s the strangest comparison you’ve heard so far?
“Like chocolate and wool.” I’m like, “What?” Someone else said I sound like a combination of Ian Curtis and Rain Man, which I thought was good. Even when it’s an insult it’s sort of flattering.

The National is opening for R.E.M. this spring along with Modest Mouse.

May 23 – Vancouver, BC – Deer Lake Park
May 29 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
May 31 – San Francisco, CA – Greek Theatre
June 03 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 06 – Chicago, IL – United Center
June 08 – Toronto, ON – Molson Amphitheatre
June 10 – Raleigh, NC – Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
June 11 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 13 – Boston, MA – Tweeter Center
June 14 – Long Island, NY – Jones Beach
June 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center
June 21 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre