The National – Boxer
At first I was not so sure of the hype that this album was getting. Albums can be sometimes coated in solid gold by fans wanting to claim that next big thing and it is easy to get caught up in an album or band in this manner. The sheep that I am I think that I actually waited for the commotion to calm down before acquiring this album.
Like Alligator, Boxer lures its listeners in a subtle manner and songs do not always bounce off the ears like say Arcade Fire. In a way, the album is destined to be loved by critics who, sitting in their living room with stacks of lps sitting on their guts, they have nothing better to do than listen to their favorite offerings over and over again.
In a way, the National offer something similar to R.E.M. While I would argue that their styles are different, the music is not filled with millions of singles; they lull you to sleep and before you know it the National is being played 24-7, however, the lyrics are like early Stipean, with non-linear lyrical quotes that often leave the listener guessing.
I had the same reaction to Alligator. I still remember playing it and thinking, ‘Okay, this is pretty good.’ And before you know it, you are ‘Looking for Astronauts.’
I still place Hissing Fauna as the best album so far this year followed closely by Panda Bear and Deerhunter’s ‘Cryptograms’, but the National’s depressing and guessing lyrics surpass other albums such as Wilco’s ‘Sky Blue Sky’.
As in some cases you pass up the reviews so that you do not try to copy what Pitchfuck says, I did glance at it at this point in the review I did go over and cheat and it seems they pointed out that the album is a “Grower”.
And yes, the album is strong for about 2/3rds before it becomes a bit more forgettable, however, this will probably not be the last time I bring them up.