The exceptionally talented Rock group National have released their CD entitled Boxer. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe National fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Boxer their artistic excellence is on full display as they have once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be their best work to date.
I wish it weren"t the case but, it"s not everyday that I get a CD for review that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can"t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Boxer. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
Boxer is a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly talented musicians. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They"re all here.
Overall Boxer is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Rock collection. Truly an outstanding Rock CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.
While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 2 - Mistaken For Strangers, track 7 - Apartment Story, and track 12 - Gospel.
My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Fake Empire. Good stuff!
Boxer Release Notes:
National originally released Boxer on May 22, 2007 on the Beggars Banquet label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Fake Empire 2. Mistaken For Strangers 3. Brainy 4. Squalor Victoria 5. Green Gloves 6. Slow Show 7. Apartment Story 8. Start A War 9. Guest Room 10. Racing Like A Pro 11. Ada 12. Gospel
The National: Matt Berninger (vocals); Bryce Dessner (guitar); Aaron Dessner, Scott Devendorf (bass guitar); Bryan Devendorf (drums).