The National - "Boxer" (2007)

[DudeAsInCool]

Following up on their critically acclaimed "Alligator" was not an easy task, but indie-rockers The National more than delivered with "Boxer". It's probably my favorite album of the year.

This time around, producer Peter Katis and Australian composer Padma Newsome have fused an orchestra of sound into The National's musical mix. Brass, woodwinds, strings, trumpet, organ work by Doveman and Sufjan Stevens, and prominent background vocals form Brooklynite Marla Hansen, were added to compliment the band's already solid guitar, piano, bass and drum work.

In "Boxer", Matt Berninger explores the contemporary themes of "friends and alienation", "cynicism and vulnerability", love and war", "money and work", etc. with sophistication, but in the end, it's the music that stands out, driven by the Devendorf brother's pulsating rhythm section and the Dressner brother's methodical rhythm guitar work.

To get a better feel for the band and how they work, check out how they slowly build on Doveman's opening piano chords for "Fake Empire", subtly layering in the rhythm, vocals, horns and strings section, until the song comes fully into its own.

Or check out the solid, "Mistaken For Strangers", one of my favorite songs of the year.

You can check out more of the band's work at Beatking's Video Forum. And if like what you hear, you can pick it up 'Boxer' @Amazon. Recommended.