The National debut "Bloodbuzz Ohio"

This has been a good day for quality bands putting out songs in advance of the release of new albums. Earlier today, when discussing Broken Social Scene's imminent Forgiveness Rock Record, I wrote that "no other album this year has me as excited as this one." Running it a close second: High Violet, the latest record from The National, due May 10th. The studio version of live favourite "Bloodbuzz Ohio" has hit the internet today; initially played on BBC 6 Music, a poor-quality rip had been making the rounds until 4AD responded with the high-quality version, which you can listen to here and download here. Initial thoughts: it picks up exactly where 2007s superb Boxer left off, which is no bad thing. This comes hot on the heels on "Terrible Love," which they debuted on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon a few weeks ago:

High Violet track list:

1. Terrible Love

2. Sorrow

3. Anyone's Ghost

4. Little Faith

5. Afraid Of Everyone

6. Bloodbuzz Ohio

7. Lemonworld

8. Runaway

9. Conversation 16

10. England

11. Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks