We are not all that vicious like you, dork!!

I think Rufus Wainwright's Release the Sky is brilliant. Maybe not a masterpiece, but brilliant.

It's hard to imagine doing Boxer better, so.. Ya know, like Hissing Fauna.,. is awesome, but it's so all over the place, it's hard to say for sure if it's being honest with us. In fact, I worry about The National's future because they may labor in vein to maintain their gradual evolution after Boxer. You know some will call it a masterpiece, some wont, but unless the themes in it age poorly, this album has a shot at the title. Sonically, of course, it's airtight. Lyrically, it's airtight. Stylistically, some will argue. Vocals are maybe love it / hate it. It seems to bore some, so maybe it's a little too downhearted and downtempo to be a masterpiece, but I don't take issue with that at all. I nominate it.

I haven't even heard of The National... what's the general genre they would be pigeon-holed into by critics? I've heard so much mention of this Boxer album on the forums, I'm completely intrigued.

It’d be pigeonholed as “indie-rock.” I think there are some elements of pop but it is mostly a rock album with great songwriting and melodies. Sure the vocals might push some people away but like everyone has already stated, it’s a grower. Once it’s grown on you, you will adore it. I’d give it a shot if I were you.

It's indie-rock pianofaerie. They had a sleeper hit last year with the album Alligator, and are now known for creating "growers". Very minimalist, poetic lyrics from Matt Berninger.

quote:

Originally posted by Haunted Goathouse:
They had a sleeper hit last year with the album Alligator

Two years ago. But if you like them, then you should check out their first two albums as well. Everything they have done ranges from solid to classic--to me at least.

Two years, right. My bad.

From my money In Rainbows, Hissing Fauna, Sound of Silver, and too a slightly lesser degree Boxer all come damn close.

All would have been #1 or #2 last year, rivaled only by Howe Gelb's 'Sno Angel.

Great--I'll have to check it out! I love discovering new stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by skyTweedysky:
We are not all that vicious like you, dork!!

And the forum is probably better because of it.

However, I do think Metacritic is a little undercooked. Needs more flame!

I guess I'm still waiting for that all balls out knock my sox off album too, but whatever.
Haven't heard all of In Rainbows yet.
Now, as to viciousness and all that, I have only ever once indulged in a personal insult, but I will happily rubbish the given product. I don't see why people take that personally. That would be silly.
I'm personally bothered by over politeness...goddamn p.c warriors......i'm bored....

quote:

Originally posted by Ishmaels Coffin:
I guess I'm still waiting for that all balls out knock my sox off album too, but whatever.

I'm waiting too. Doubt it's gonna happen though. 'In Rainbows', while an amazing album full of great tunes, falls short of being a masterpeice, imo.