The cover of Grand National's first LP, Kicking the National Habit, features a pair of long, naked legs crossed in such a way to remind us, alas, of a businesslike Sharon Stone. But look closer and you'll see the foot bears a big, veiny bruise, as if it has been kicking at something. Hmm, the national habit perhaps?

With song titles like "Talk Amongst Yourselves," "Litter Bin," and "Boner," the lighthearted cover seems fitting. But the band takes itself seriously enough to compose an album featuring some of the catchiest, most danceable and yet most substantial pop songs to reach the U.S. this year. (The album was released in the U.K. almost two years ago and it still sounds fresh upon its U.S. release.) Influenced by '80s bands like New Order, Happy Mondays, PiL, and The Police (Rupert Lyddon and Lawrence "La" Rudd were actually in a Police cover band), the band has a broader, grittier take on retro dance-rock than most of their popular contemporaries. These tunes are more appropriate on a sweaty dance floor than top 40 radio. Songs like "Playing in the Distance" and "Peanut Dreams" syphon the more organic sounds of the '80s by utilizing reggae beats and brass horns while eschewing the already chewed flavor of bright, overbearing synths. If I were to guess what the national habit is supposed to be, I would say it's probably drinking and dancing and listening to this album. And I don't see anyone kicking that anytime soon.