The Passion of the Weiss: The National-Boxer
On the National's first two records, lead singer Matt Berninger and the brothers Devendorf and Dessner were middle-weight pugilists trying to move up in the game, fighting on under-cards in undersized venues. Released on their own Brassland label, few people heard The National or Sad Songs for Dirty Lover, but those that did found a lot to like in the brother’s Leonard Cohen by way of Uncle Tupelo hybrid of alt-country and sad indie-leaning chamber pop
The National’s breakthrough came with 2005’s excellent Alligator. Of course, break-through is a relative word. Despite the band’s label switch to indie heavyweights, Beggar’s Banquet, the album was a slow burner, garnering critical raves but little notice outside of rock-crit circles, until later that spring when The National set off on a cross-country trek with blog wunderkinds Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! While half the crowds on that tour left after Clap Your Hands’ set, those that stuck around were treated to a star-making turn from a band on the verge. Jettisoning their alt-country influences, The National had finally crafted a sound of their own, a brooding, nourish brand of nimble but crushingly powerful drums, sparkling pianos and taut, anthemic guitars, flanked by Berninger’s sarcastic, drunken baritone.
Because Who Doesn't Like a Boxer?
"Boxer" is arguably the band's finest work yet. More piano-based (with Sufjan Stevens contributing on "Fake Empire") and more somber than "Alligator," the record might lack a hay-maker like its predecessor's "Mr. November," but over the course of 42 minutes, it lands a consistent flurry of jabs and body-blows to bowl over even the most reluctant listener.
As for the lyrics, Berninger has retained his penchant for non-sequiters, commencing stand-out track, "Guest Room" with "they're going to send us to prison for jerks." In general, "Boxer" finds Berninger turning inwards, with lyrics more personal than anything he's previously done.
12 tracks of beautiful but somber meditations, "Boxer" is ideal late night/last call listening. It's the kind of record that ushers you out into the street, head ringing, vision blurred, soul rambling. Call Don King, these guys are ready for pay-per-view.
Originally Published On MetroMix
Buy The National-Boxer
Ian Cohen's Rave Review at Stylus
Aquarium Drunkard's Rave of the Album
posted by Passion of the Weiss @ 4:20 AM
At 5:25 AM, dudeasincool said...
Doveman plays piano on a number of cuts, too - I'd love to see some liner credits to see who contributed to each song.
This album really grows on you, but it's a subtle thing - the more you play it, the more you like it. I hope the thing isn't hyped to death, as it's really deserving. Here are some more reviews:
http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/national/boxer
At 5:39 AM, dudeasincool said...
Correction - Doveman plays keyboards on the album. I think Ryan Adams also assisted. Have you seen a full credit list, POW?
"Call Don King, these guys are ready for pay-per-view"?!?
Weiss, only you could pull off a line like that. Great review.
Thanks for the kind words, Flood:
Dude: Haven't seen the credit listing. I'm actually surprised, it's gotten this much love. At first, I thought Alligator was the better record, but only after about a dozen listens did I change my tune. I'm predicting about a half dozen Interpol reviews reference the fact that Boxer is the album they should've made. It's a damned fine record. I don't think even the hype will deflate them. They rock live.
At 10:06 PM, silawe said...
how fast does the blogwagon travel Jeff?
At 4:31 AM, Tim said...
Boxer album: Click Here
The Passion of the Weiss: The National-Boxer
On the National's first two records, lead singer Matt Berninger and the brothers Devendorf and Dessner were middle-weight pugilists trying to move up in the game, fighting on under-cards in undersized venues. Released on their own Brassland label, few people heard The National or Sad Songs for Dirty Lover, but those that did found a lot to like in the brother’s Leonard Cohen by way of Uncle Tupelo hybrid of alt-country and sad indie-leaning chamber pop
The National’s breakthrough came with 2005’s excellent Alligator. Of course, break-through is a relative word. Despite the band’s label switch to indie heavyweights, Beggar’s Banquet, the album was a slow burner, garnering critical raves but little notice outside of rock-crit circles, until later that spring when The National set off on a cross-country trek with blog wunderkinds Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! While half the crowds on that tour left after Clap Your Hands’ set, those that stuck around were treated to a star-making turn from a band on the verge. Jettisoning their alt-country influences, The National had finally crafted a sound of their own, a brooding, nourish brand of nimble but crushingly powerful drums, sparkling pianos and taut, anthemic guitars, flanked by Berninger’s sarcastic, drunken baritone.
Because Who Doesn't Like a Boxer?
"Boxer" is arguably the band's finest work yet. More piano-based (with Sufjan Stevens contributing on "Fake Empire") and more somber than "Alligator," the record might lack a hay-maker like its predecessor's "Mr. November," but over the course of 42 minutes, it lands a consistent flurry of jabs and body-blows to bowl over even the most reluctant listener.
As for the lyrics, Berninger has retained his penchant for non-sequiters, commencing stand-out track, "Guest Room" 
with "they're going to send us to prison for jerks." In general, "Boxer" finds Berninger turning inwards, with lyrics more personal than anything he's previously done.
12 tracks of beautiful but somber meditations, "Boxer" is ideal late night/last call listening. It's the kind of record that ushers you out into the street, head ringing, vision blurred, soul rambling. Call Don King, these guys are ready for pay-per-view.
Originally Published On MetroMix
Buy The National-Boxer
Ian Cohen's Rave Review at Stylus
Aquarium Drunkard's Rave of the Album
posted by Passion of the Weiss @ 4:20 AM
At 5:25 AM, dudeasincool said...
Doveman plays piano on a number of cuts, too - I'd love to see some liner credits to see who contributed to each song.
This album really grows on you, but it's a subtle thing - the more you play it, the more you like it. I hope the thing isn't hyped to death, as it's really deserving. Here are some more reviews:
http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/national/boxer
At 5:39 AM, dudeasincool said...
Correction - Doveman plays keyboards on the album. I think Ryan Adams also assisted. Have you seen a full credit list, POW?
"Call Don King, these guys are ready for pay-per-view"?!?
Weiss, only you could pull off a line like that. Great review.
Thanks for the kind words, Flood:
Dude: Haven't seen the credit listing. I'm actually surprised, it's gotten this much love. At first, I thought Alligator was the better record, but only after about a dozen listens did I change my tune. I'm predicting about a half dozen Interpol reviews reference the fact that Boxer is the album they should've made. It's a damned fine record. I don't think even the hype will deflate them. They rock live.
At 10:06 PM, silawe said...
how fast does the blogwagon travel Jeff?
At 4:31 AM, Tim said...
Boxer album: Click Here