Boxer (Beggers Banquet)
"We expected something, something better than before. We expected something more." So begins the ripping track, "Start a War." This resonates what may be the attitude of many of The National faithful as they, understandably, compare the new Boxer to the extremely likable album they so loved but never made it out of the gates in the mainstream, Alligator. But such comparisons are ineffectual, because as vocalist Berringer has emphasized, his band is not out to make the same record twice. So it would be wise to toss Alligator aside when assessing which album is superior. Does it really matter? Boxer doesn't stray too far from the Alligator formula but it's an entirely different record. First, it starts off with possibly the album's strongest track, "Fake Empire" and consequently the first single, "Mistaken For Strangers" -instead of holding off till late in the record as they would do with their strongest tracks on past records. Boxer is also more intense and heavy in sound, requiring you to give it extra-curricular attention to truly appreciate it. And an element to be appreciated is the greater addition of orchestration: the heart-breaking violin parts on "Squalor Victoria" and the excellent "Slow Show," the poignant horns on "Guest Room," the piano emphasis in "Racing like a Pro," and most notably on the impressive "Ada," which is awashed in orchestration.
Despite the weight applied to the music, the lyrics by contrast are more light and positive than Boxer's predecessors. Berringer humors life and muses about acquaintances - perhaps a result of a successful 3 yr. relationship - - a contrast to of the self-indulging, antagonistic lyrics of Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers and Alligator. The feral that highlighted many of the tracks from those records is simmered down. "You Know I dreamt about you.. for 29 years before I saw you" is the chorus of the 2ND half of "Slow Show" which was pulled from "29 Years" from their debut album. However, his signature crooning, rustic voice still fulfills its comforting duties. The National have the aura of lads who weren't unaware of their potential for success outside music but opted for the more personal, artsy route. This is echoed in "Mistaken for Strangers": "showered and blue-blazered, fill yourself with quarters... You get mistaken for strangers by your own friends, when you pass them at night under the silvery, silvery citibank lights." And then on "Squalor Victoria": "Underline everything, I'm a professional in my beloved white shirt... Raise our heavenly glasses to the heavens! Squalor Victoria! Squalor Victoria!" In this sense they seem to have a singular understanding in the development of their music. Like understanding seems to have landed them much street-cred in the past couple months as the cult following has turned more mainstream anticipating the release of Boxer. Whether or not Boxer is as good as Alligator is debatable but it's equally as -if not more- impressive.
hear: Fake Empire, Mistaken for Strangers, Green Gloves, Slow Show, Start a War, Ada
www.americanmary.com
www.beggars.com
QUICK LICK: The Ponys, Turn the Lights Out (Matador)
Turn the Lights Out agrees with the other 80's-infused rock that has invaded our ear waves for the past few years -a contrast to The Pony's last effort, Celebration Castle, which successfully hinged on a grungier wave length. Some call them the next big thing. I simply call them talented, with a knack for producing infectious rock songs.
hear: Double Vision, Small Talk, Turn the Lights Out, Shine, Exile on My Street
www.theponys.com
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