Neph Basedow

On a rare day off, War On Drugs' frontman Adam Granduciel speaks to me from his Philadelphia home. In the background, clinking kitchen noise can be heard as he prepares his morning coffee ("French Press," he specifies). The 35-year-old songwriter hardly needs the caffeine; he's excitedly loquacious as he speaks,...

If we can measure a band's success in terms of bigwig festival slots and NPR features -- and let's face it, we can -- The National just may be the "It" alternative band of the year. They'll play South Side Ballroom this Saturday -- their biggest headlining show to date...