The National – Boxer
Beggars – 22 May 2007

I've been a bit of put by the lack of great releases so far this year. I love Spoon's new record, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga , and Battles latest release is another blessing, but really its been slow and well kind of depressing. That's why I was happy to have snagged The National's second LP on Beggars when I did.

Boxer starts off in a hallowed dream-like hall of forgotten memories, and swirls thoughts of love, god and home around throughout the record. Lead singer Matt Berninger, takes us on a personal journey, sharing with us the highs and lows of his memories. While guitarists, Scott Devendorf and Bryce Dessner, drummer Bryan Devendorf, and bassist Aaron Dessner weave a a dark tapestry, together, filling in the silence. By far the most consistent record for me this year. Boxer will strike a chord with anyone who gives it a sincere listen.

The first track of the album sets the stage for the album's maturation. An ideal of not being real, almost too homely, warms our hearts with promises of nothingness.

The National - Fake Empire

The entire album gives me such a calmed peace of mind. There are no fatal flaws, it just progresses. Just like great record should do.

Purchase Boxer at Insound