The National will be releasing their followup to 2007's amazing Boxer in May of this  year.  They are currently mixing the album and original had the goal of making a "happy" record, but that quickly fell apart.  They are also touring with presale tickets going on sale across the US today. 

The North American Dates:

04/22-23 - Richmond, VA @ The National Theater
05/22 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
05/23 - San Diego, CA @ Spreckels Theater
05/27 - Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
06/02 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues
06/05 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
06/06 - Washington DC @ DAR Constitution Hall
06/08 - Toronto, Ont. @ Massey Hall
06/16 - New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall