Song of the Day — 04·21·26
Talk Amongst Yourselves
Grand National
Grand National were a British indie duo — Lawrence Rudd and Matt Hales — who released one album in 2004 before going their separate ways. Kicking the National Habit was a minor cult record noted for its melodic sophistication and Hales' distinctive falsetto.
Talk Amongst Yourselves blends electronic textures with acoustic warmth in a way that felt contemporary in 2004 and still sounds pleasantly unhurried today. Hales went on to a successful solo career as Aqualung.
Grand National made one genuinely lovely record and dissolved before becoming a thing. That's its own kind of dignity.
"A record that deserved more than it got."
— NME · 2004