The National-Boxer
This is the only album to rival LCD Soundsystem’s album for album of the year. I have decided that I may only have a top 5 of the year, but I know for a fact that this one is going to be neck and neck for the top. The dark sinister voice over beautiful melodies is the best formula for any band, given the right lead singer. Boxer seems like the band had endured some heartache or some discord which always makes for great songwriting (I can only imagine). If you were waiting for another Alligator, keep on waiting, this album isn’t it or doesn’t even attempt to recapture the essence of that album. When I was overseas and I engaged in conversation with people overseas, they would ask me what is the best American band out here. That was a tough question. I thought briefly, but when it comes down to it, you think of the gazillion bands that are out there, and I could only think of two relevant “American” bands, and it was Wilco and the National. It was the best response I could come up in less than five seconds. I know there’s more out there, but those were the two that stuck out in my head. The album is released in late May and you can buy the album here.
The National-Brainy[mp3]