Walk Away Now

The National's new album, Boxer, leaked a while ago, and I have to say I am absolutely enthralled with it. Their 2005 album, Alligator, was a very good release, with a few stand out tracks, but Boxer easily trumps it. With many a guest star (including Mr. Indie Rock, Sufjan Stevens), and Matt Berninger's distinctive baritone vocals. The music flows along well, connecting the songs and sending the whole album into a wave of sonic energy. While each song may flow into the next so that it's easy to mistake one song for another, there are still a few standouts. Fake Empire, the album opener is a wonderfully sleepy track, but one that builds to such a climax that when the next track, Mistaken for Strangers, hits, you have no idea how they will tops such a promise. But alas, they do. Mistaken for Strangers, is in my opinion, the best track on the album. Such a great 1-2 punch. Start a War is another on of my favourites, as it has such a mellow feel. Here are the first two tracks, and Start a War. and I sincerely hope you buy the CD. It's my favourite album of the year so far.

The National - Fake Empire

The National - Mistaken for Strangers

The National - Start a War