I came across The National via a banner on the emusic homepage. What a well targeted and serendipitous piece of merchandising that turned out to be...Boxer is a really beautiful album. Reminiscent of The Smiths at there most melancholy or early mournful REM. Each song is like a lovingly hand-crafted piece of jewellery. Something about The National insistently whispers 'hand made'.
What sets this apart from other well written, well played, tightly produced rock music is Matt Berninger's wonderful crooning. A voice that is all syrup and smoky jazz bars, he could sing the newspaper and I would queue up to listen. A modern day Ian Curtis to rival even Editors front man Tom Smith.
Highlights are plenty, but include the insistent rhythmic intensity of Brainy and the sombre, imperious Guest Room.
Am at my inlaws right now so I can't post an MP3. I'll make sure a sampler is available later next week.
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