I'm a little surprised and baffled by the popularity of Boxer, not because I don't particularly like it, but because it doesn't sound to me like an album that would enjoy widespread popular acclaim. It's really restrained, rarely surprising, never astounding, and not at all groundbreaking or innovative. I could understand Alligator getting all kinds of props; it really went balls-out on occasion, but not this one.
Posts: 3956 | Location: NE Indiana | Registered: 14 April 2005
Originally posted by RavingLunatic: I'm a little surprised and baffled by the popularity of Boxer, not because I don't particularly like it, but because it doesn't sound to me like an album that would enjoy widespread popular acclaim. It's really restrained, rarely surprising, never astounding, and not at all groundbreaking or innovative. I could understand Alligator getting all kinds of props; it really went balls-out on occasion, but not this one.
I think you may have touched right on the thing that makes this album so special. Somehow, Boxer manages to push all the right buttons, without appearing to have moved a finger!
Anyone that likes anything about the National needs to hear the Boxer Outtake "Tall Saint". It was released on a magazine disk in Europe. It's better than half the tracks on the actual album. This is coming from someone that thinks Boxer is currently Album of the year.
---------------------------- I'm the operator with my pocket calculator.
This is by far, The National's best album, easily. Their last one, Alligator, was an all-right album. I would peg it between 7-15 in my top twenty of 2005. But I just can't help feeling that this album is just so strong.
The whole album sounds complete and it sounds like one beautifully orchestrated song. The songs flow into each other so well, the balance on the album is as close to perfection as possible and the sequencing is brilliant. There is a great mix of songs on here, each have a distinctive sound yet; each helps in making it one, cohesive entity.
It truly is a magnificent piece of music.
----- I go to sleep and think you're next to me.
Posts: 5767 | Location: Texas | Registered: 27 December 2005
I agree entirely, Fragile. There is just no aspect of the album that is flawed or lacking. There isn't even a part of a song that drags on or a line or lyric that is boring or annoying.
---------------------------- I'm the operator with my pocket calculator.
In Belgium, the critics weren't very good, which delivers proof that the criticasters know nothing about music her I think I listened to "Racing Like A Pro" ten times in a row. This album is at the top of my 2007 list.
To be, or not to be, that's the question.
Posts: 38 | Location: Paradise By The Dashboard Light | Registered: 06 October 2007
I think you are one of the first to pick 'Racing Like a Pro' as a favorite too. It's an awesome song once you have spent some time with it. Not immediately engaging like some of the others, but beautiful in a subtle way. And Sufjan on the keys adds to it's appeal.
---------------------------- I'm the operator with my pocket calculator.
I also love Boxer. Much like Alligator it has seeped it's way into my soul gradually over time. For some reason "Slow Show" just does it for me. It's the cinammon toast of the album and just makes me feel ... refreshed.
I honestly haven't come close to tiring of this album. I believe it is going to be widely recognized as a classic at some point, if not already. You have to give it to them for finding so many ways to emote within such narrow confines. Great drumming, as has been noted. Matt Barninger inhabits these songs.
Originally posted by goathouse: I honestly haven't come close to tiring of this album. I believe it is going to be widely recognized as a classic at some point, if not already.
Agreed. I love this record so much I find myself trying to convince friends and family to listen. In fact, I'm planning on giving it as gifts come Christmas time. It's rare that an album compels me to do such a thing. I guess I just want other people to experience the same emotion I feel while listening to Boxer.
"You got no fear of the underdog... that's why you will not survive."
Posts: 64 | Location: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: 23 August 2007
It took me about a full month to really get used to the vocals. I actually hated at first. Stylistically it was just different from most things I liked. So I understand if you don't like as much as others...
This album is one of the better albums of this year.
I think I listened to "Racing Like A Pro" ten times in a row. This album is at the top of my 2007 list.
