43. Boxer

Boxer by The National
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful, deeply penetrating album. "Brainy" is probably one of my favorite songs ever. It's melancholy, but it also has this burning kernel of truth that makes it hauntingly unforgettable.

"Squalor Victoria" starts off with fast, powerful percussion and weaves in strings and a piano melody that is sophisticated and curiously classical, yet modern. Truly gorgeous track.

The National has a really unique sound in that the band involves so many instruments, but does it exceptionally. The lyrics are quirky, poetic, and unusual. There's an artistic strangeness that is at the same time familiar.

The chorus of "Green Gloves" glows with depth like embers burning in the cavernous recesses of driftwood. It's fullness expands in the heart. The sadness and yet, simultaneously, the beauty in it is unmatched.

But not every song on this album is sad. "Slow Show" starts off with a certain spunkiness and determination in tone that speaks of beginning again. "Ada" is magically defiant. I could put it on repeat on my i-Pod and never get sick of it.

"Start a War" is such a fantastic song. The Live at KEXP Volume 4 album offers up an incredible version. It is such a sweeping, pure, exquisite piece of musicianship that grows and grows. The lyrics fit great within the spaces of rhythm. It's the kind of song you just don't want to end.

"Gospel" is ripe with sweetness, yet not dripping with sentimentality. It's a love song and religious in a very unreligious way because its really about love more than anything else.

This band is seasoned and mature, intelligent and inspiring. Every track written on this album is superb. It is one of my ultimate favorites.

Track listing:

1. Fake Empire
2. Mistaken for Strangers
3. Brainy
4. Squalor Victoria
5. Green Gloves
6. Slow Show
7. Apartment Story
8. Start a War
9. Guest Room
10. Racing Like a Pro
11. Ada
12. Gospel
13. Blank Slate (Japanese CD and iTunes bonus tracks)
14. Santa Clara (Japanese CD and iTunes bonus tracks)

*******************************

Who are The National?