Is there a 'compact' layout?

I can only see two posts per page, so I have to do a LOT of scrolling just to skim through recent posts. Is there a way to get a compact layout so I can see more posts per page?

Also, it would be nice to be able to just expand the comments in-line with ajax (or a modal div) instead of having to go to a new page then hit the back button to try and return to where I was before.

It just feels like I'm spending most of my time navigating instead of reading/commenting.