The National - Boxer

$14.98 (list price), Rock, Beggars Banquet

Basic Story: Following the critical success of ‘Alligator’ in 2005 that had even Bruce Springsteen raving, The National return with their most demanding record yet.

Sample: “You get mistaken for strangers by your own friends/ when you pass them at night under the silvery, silvery Citibank lights.”

Verdict: In a sense, The National have taken the safe route with ‘Boxer.’ But while there is little change in their overall sound, there is a noticeable expansion to it, indicating a more confident and mature band. The album, produced and mixed by the group, along with Peter Katis (Interpol, Spoon), has a slightly darker feel to it than previous works. Even when the music picks up speed, Singer Matt Berninger’s baritone vocals seem to slow it down. Imagine Tom Waits fronting your favorite indie rock band. It might take some getting used to, but there’s a good reason why this band was asked to open for the Arcade Fire on their recent U.S. tour.