The National's "Boxer" deserves another thread

[primushead]

So here it is.

It's been almost a year since I've had this masterpiece, and it still hasn't lost a bit of luster.  I keep finding new subtleties to songs that add a whole new meaning to every word of every song.

Apartment Story and Slow Show make me want to weep, smile, be depressed and be happy all at the same time.

Seriously, I don't think I've had an album mean this much to me since "In the Aeroplane over the Sea".

Thank you, National.  Thank you.

[sweatboard]

I hope you have heard Alligator, actually I hope you haven't because I think it's even better.  You will have something to Really look forward to.  I think Alligator is one of the Best records ever made.

[primushead]

I hope you have heard Alligator, actually I hope you haven't because I think it's even better.  You will have something to Really look forward to.  I think Alligator is one of the Best records ever made.

Oh yes, that's how I first heard this band was with Alligator.  Don't get me wrong, I love Alligator (All The Wine is my all time most played on iTunes) but overall I think Boxer is much more precise and better made than Alligator.

[folieadeux322]

It took a while for boxer to grow on me.

After you hear something as great as Alligator it's hard to get use to the new album.

My main beef at first was it didn't rock like Alligator. Once I got over that I started to truly appreciate it for what it was.

[fitzcarraldo]

So here it is.

It's been almost a year since I've had this masterpiece, and it still hasn't lost a bit of luster.  I keep finding new subtleties to songs that add a whole new meaning to every word of every song.

Apartment Story and Slow Show make me want to weep, smile, be depressed and be happy all at the same time.

Seriously, I don't think I've had an album mean this much to me since "In the Aeroplane over the Sea".

Thank you, National.  Thank you.

I Hear you Gregg.  I've listened to Boxer probably over 100 times. Love the way they put the women's vocals way down in the mix. Adds something cool to the vibe. I think they do the same thing in Alligator.  Yes, Bravo!  :)    The 'take away shows'  are sooooo good. (Ada, Start A War, Gospel...) You've seen them yes?  Their is a documentary about the making of Boxer.  Any idea of when it's due out?  

[ycartrob]

well, you gotta have to make sure you see 'em live next
time they come around b/c all they played were
songs from Boxer and Alligator (and 2 others, Wasp Nest,
which was an instrumental and mesmerizing and About Today, which
made me sad(I think))). Hell, why not
post the set list from that night? Gawd, I love those guys!
Gee-willikers, I love you guys! I just love everybody!

September 12th, 2007-Bottletree in Birmingham, Alabama

[brentnc]

ill give it another shot. never could get into em. tried a few times.

[red]

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/49749-national-package-iboxeri-documentary-with-bonus-cd

And this is most excellent: http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2008/04/03/the-national-white-sessions-paris-2007/

[mjkoehler]

BUMP

Forgot how glorious this album is. Listened to Alligator on the way in also. I'm sure our security guard appreciate my singing along to Mr November.

[Kris]

love the national.

[getinthevan]

They're one of my favorite bands right now.  I didn't like Boxer on the first listen but the second listen several months later had me hooked.  

They currently hold the coveted, "best concert I've ever been to" title.  

June 7th, 2008.  Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac, MI.  I went with people I'd never really hung out with before, which made for a whole new concert experience for me.  We were in the balcony, sitting on a couch we pulled up to the rail overlooking the stage.  I could see every little thing that happened on stage and the sound was perfect.  I expected a good show, not a great one that moved me to tears.  

I also saw them at Lollapalooza.  As far as I'm concerned, they were the last band of the show.  Nine Inch Nails were simply an added bonus.  

[Kris]

Yeah.

I left after their show at Lollapalooza.

[getinthevan]

Had I not been there with 3 friends who spent a good deal of time not watching The National and getting a good spot for Kanye, I very well might have.  Though I am glad that I finally got to see Nine Inch Nails.  Their light show was superb!  Good enough that I'll probably go see them in November when they come to Grand Rapids.

[The Big Come Up]

Apartment Story has rapidly became my favorite song

[DavidCrosby]

...I have seen them twice, once at Bonnaroo (really don't remember that one though ::)) and once opening for R.E.M. which was awesome...they are a really good band and The Boxer is an amazing record...