I devote a lot of my time here on Pop Music Club to looking back at artists of the past or profiling the music at the fringes. I suppose I've been derelict in my duties concerning pop by not taking a closer look at some of the best stuff that's active in the mainstream or semi-mainstream today. That's why I've decided to devote one column every week to modern pop, be it rock, electronic, hip hop or any other style.

I can't think of a better band to start with than The National. They may just be the best collection of musicians and lyricists recording on a prominent label today. The band formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1999, though most if its contributors come from Cincinnati in my home state of Ohio. They released their first album, an eponymous LP, on Brassroots Records. It might as well be an entirely independent recording, though. Aaron and Bryce Dessner are not only members of the band, they're also two of Brassroots' three founders. This isn't to say The National couldn't have gotten a contract on their own merits, though.

It wasn't until The National moved to the Beggar's Banquet group, specifically 4AD, that they really hit their stride. 2005's Alligator is an excellent album, maybe one or two tracks short of perfect. It opens with the darkly funny "Secret Meeting", a great example of vocalist Matt Beringer's unique lyrics.

"And so and now I'm sorry I missed you
I had a secret meeting in the basement of my brain
It went the dull and wicked ordinary way"

Alligator is something of a more emotionally troubled album. Aside from a couple fun jaunts like "Secret Meeting" and especially "Friend of Mine", it can be something of a sad musical affair. "Daughters of the SoHo Riots" is a beautiful song for drinking, but placing it smack-dab in the middle of the album is risky. The explosive energy of "Abel" saves Alligator from being a downer and its Joy Division: Evolved sound is more than welcome.

The National hit their most impressive effort with what is arguably the best album of 2007, Boxer. It's a rare experience to listen to a flawless LP, but Boxer is just that. I may be in the habit of mercilessly condensing even the most revered music in pop history, but I wouldn't cut a single track from that album. The opener, "Fake Empire" is my all-time favorite late-night song, filled with weird, funny lyrics and a nice mid-song switch that manages to be seamless. "Green Gloves" is sad and beautiful and "Apartment Story" may just be the band's best song altogether.

The National has had some pretty high-profile political endorsements as well. The Obama presidential campaign used "Fake Empire" on multiple occasions and the band actively supported Obama in a series of concerts. They've also become darlings of their publisher, 4AD, standing behind the charity album Dark Was The Night.

I know I sound like a shameless promoter when I write this, but if you listen to one band this year, listen to The National. They give a solid dignity to rock without robbing it of its teeth and they manage to be progressive and classically talented at the same time.