The National have surprised everyone today by announcing in an interview with Spinner that they are planning a Grateful Dead tribute album for the anti-AIDs Red Hot Organization.

The National’s Bryce and Aaron Dessner have produced records for the organization before but the Grateful Dead tribute album concept has left even longer term fans scratching their heads.

Beggars Group have been quick to clarify that the brothers are working on an album for the charity organization but made clear that no specific details have been confirmed as of yet.

In other National news: The band have release a new song “Exile Vilify” which is set to feature in the video game Portal Two. The new track is streaming below:

Strictly Our Opinion: The National have struck gold again with another ethereal slice of brooding reflective pop. The jagged relationship between the track’s keys and strings gives the “Exile Vilify” an uneasy edge, providing a perfect contrast to yet another silky vocal performance. A beautiful track that should add some serious atmosphere to Portal 2.