The National - Start a War

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While some of these songs are mesmerizing (Fake Empire, Squalor Victoria), and for that reason alone this album is worth a listen. Then again, those wanting variation will be disappointed, as the vocals are deep and brooding for the ENTIRE album and, its consistent gloominess doesn't allow for as much of a dynamic listening experience as one would hope.

Following in the vein of songs off their earlier albums like "Baby, We'll Be Fine," "Lucky You," or "Daughters of the Soho Riots," That National's newest album is much more restrained and slower than some of their earlier stuff leading to a powerful emotional edge in this album. This album definitely defines a well developed sound that the Brooklyn band has come into. Still, even through the sadness in some songs such as "Green Gloves," or "Gospel" there is a more upbeat edge in songs like "Ada" or "Start a War." All in all a fantastic album.

If I had to choose between breathing and listening to the National, I would hestitate and then....listen to the National. That is all you need to know....

I discovered The National last week at Red Rocks, opening for REM. Very few of my fellow patrons seemed to know them when they took the stage. They finished nine songs later to a standing ovation and chants for an encore. Their music may seem a bit monotonous at first listen. Don't be fooled, it is subtle, but genius, and gets better with each listen. Before you know it, you can't keep songs like Fake Empire or Slow Show out of your head. I consider them my best find in years.

I would absolutely put this on top of my list for top albums of the year. After listening to it hundreds of times, I am constantly charmed by every note. The truly amazing atmospheric quality of this album will not be absorbed the first few times through, but as fellow reviewer's said, it will grow on you.

When I first listened to this album, I was relatively unfamiliar with The National. I did not listen to it again for a month and a half. As I listened to it the second time, I began to pay closer attention to the wonderful rythym changes and the deep baritone drawl of Matt Berninger. I was blown away. The more I listened to it, the more I fell in love with it. Every song on the album was my favorite song at one point in time. It is easy to tell that Matt's poetic vocals come from experience. Each note is like a work of art, a precise gear meshed with others in a well-knit machine. I have since bought every one of their albums and have not been disappointed. Boxer, however, remains my favorite. It truly is a masterpiece.

Wow these guys are incredible. Personally, my favorite album is Alligator, but Boxer is also really, really good. What a great band.

Claustrophobic and holow, the National's music is almost haunting. Following in the steps of bands such as the Smiths, they are a moodier alternative to regular rock music. The album does loose steam towards the end, and ultimately wears out its welcome, but it is a very rewarding album. The lyrics and music bind together to make a thought provoking album. This album should be acknowledged as one of 2007's best and is definently worth the buy. Key Tracks: 1. Start a War 2. Fake Empire 3. Racing Like a Pro 4. Mistaken For Strangers 5. Brainy

Alligator and Boxer are two of the best albums of the past twenty years.

I liked this album when i got it about a year ago, but it is not until recently that I have come back to it and it is now one of my favorites. It will truly grow on you.

The National is one of the best music groups I have discovered in the past 10 years. The lasting effect of "Boxer" is incredible, no matter how much you listen to it. Truly amazing...

Beautiful. I don't know where I'd be without Ada and Fake Empire.

I listened to 30 second clips of the first 3 songs and knew I had to have this album. Boxer is beautifully constructed and envokes feelings that few albums, this day and age, have the competence to conjure. This record will reach inside your chest, massage your heart, tear it without you knowing, and leave you to deal with it's aftermath however you personally see fit. Listen for yourself and discover the true beauty that Boxer "sincerely" has to offer.

The gritty, almost cynical, idealism of Tom Waits; the uncomfortable, yet consolable, honesty of The Smiths; the subtle intensity of Leonard Cohen; and maybe even the peaceful unease of Coldplay's first CD “Parachutes": The National effortlessly captures all of these complexities, and seemingly incompatible qualities, that make life more profound, unique, and haunting. All at once they are unforgiving yet apologetic; wide-awake and sharp yet tired and in a haze; lusterless yet totally inspired and heartfelt. Even in their somberness they manage to be wonderfully droll at times. Their music is so genuine that it can make any emotion of mine, whether I’m feeling fulfilled or terribly lonely, even more poignant. I have never heard a band that went so well with life.

I think like most people I have a set of 5 albums that I listen to continuously and then a bunch I just sort of mix in when I feel like I haven't heard them in a while. This album and Alligator are definitely in my 5. I don't think most people really get this band after the first trip through the album...and some even the second. I think it is on the third trip that it just seems to click. Alligator had a real angst to it, a sort of frustration that seems to build throughout...the angst is gone in Boxer, it is almost smarter in a sense. If you enjoy dumb, easy music don't buy this, you'll hate it. One of my favorite songs ever is Apartment Story (check out the single...it comes with a cover of Bruce Springsteen's Mansion on the Hill which is just greatness). I think this band is so good that I just can't understand how everyone doesn't love them.

This is one of my favorite bands/ albums of all time! Matt B.'s deep voice and the stunning instrumentals really create an beautiful atmospheric quality. And the lyrics are simply amazing....poignant, profound, and effortless. It's lovely, so buy it already!! >:O x

When I first put on "Boxer" I got halfway through and decided I wasn't quite in the mood for it. I put it on the next day, right around midnight at a generous volume and dozed off after the first few songs and woke up in the middle of the piano-driven "Ada." Day by day, I got through more and more of this album and it revealed itself; more than just the clever lyrics, punchy drums, soft ballads, and the occassional Joy Division comparisons. Now, it's not so much as I put on this album for a listen, it has created itself around my life, it quickly became an anthem to the brittle American heart. It speaks in clever ways that seem to make so much more sense to me.

Boxer, more than any other album I got in 2007, is a work that gets better with each and every listen. Ten years from now it will not have aged a bit. None of the songs here have "hit five-star radio single" written all over them, but this is definitely an album with a lot of memorable four-star songs. The National get frequent comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, and Wilco, though when I first heard the album I thought lead singer Matt Berninger's vocals sounded like a cross between Johnny Cash and Pete Yorn. The songs are a collection of slow, low-key Americana type of rock with understated pianos memorably employed in songs like "Slow Show", "Ada", and "Fake Empire", the last of which ends with a nice arrangement of horns. Brian Devendorf's drum work is also a highlight on here, and I've found myself air drumming to this album at least as much as I have with any other in the past few years.

Very good. Amazing live. Love the Madson Square Garden show, you guys rocked, REM rocked, Modest Mouse... Not so much Rock on.

This is the only review I've ever been compelled to write on any CD on iTunes. I was turned on to The National by my roommate Freshman year of college. At first I only found myself listening to Fake Empire...repeatedly. Almost a year later, I find that this CD has worked its way back into my playlist rotations. As another reviewer mentioned, this CD is too clever. You will not recognize all the subtle imagery or sounds the first, fifth, or twentieth playthrough. Every time you will hear something new, or interpret the lyrics in a different manner. The National really has created a magnificent collection of music with this album, with each song evoking a distinct image or feeling, at least in my own mind. If you find that you like even one song, you owe it to yourself to buy the whole album, because like myself, I'm positive you'll find yourself listening to each song over and over, discovering something new each time.

I have never found that song that I can listen to over and over and never get sick of, that is until i listened to 'Fake Empire' by The National. This album has to be the most played on my iTunes library and I cannot wait until a new album comes. Do not even think about buying this album. Just click and listen.

I think this album is their best to date. Melodic, layered, punchy - The National is a gifted group. My favorites: Guest Room & Mistaken for Strangers. Their music has a way of drawing out a number of emotions all at the same time. Part nostalgic, part optimistic, with a beat that speaks to the abdomen and soles of your feet. Enjoy -

4 or 5 good solid songs, rest are ok, still worth 4 stars. love the lead singers voice, its different and unique...

whoawhoawhoa. this album is pretty amazing. "Squalor Victoria" has a wonderful piano in it with a great composition that makes me tear up everytime i listen to it. "Slow Show" & "Fake Empire" are reminscent of Richard Thompson and have a great summery acoustic guitar sound. "Racing Like A Pro" can be initially overlooked but listening to it again, it's a sad but a beautiful and hopeful song. "Apartment Story" has absolutely beautiful lyrics and a steady, rythmical beat. One of the highlights of the album. "Mistaken For Strangers" is one of my absolute favorite songs of all time. It's so incredibly amazing that I think it deserves a level to itself.

Finds like The National remind me that not all music has gone in the trash bin. Not many albums can be listened to beginning to end over and over with new musical discoveries every time! Can't wait to hear their earlier albums and see live!

not only does boxer contain some fantastic songs, it also works extremely well as collection. personal favorites such as Mistaken for Strangers, Slow Show, Fake Empire, and Racing Like a Pro are great, however the way the songs play off one another makes it such an great album to listen to from start to finish. the drumming and rhythm is extremely deep and really stands out in all the songs, rather than being drowned out, even in Fake Empire each tempo is clearly audible, which reflects upon the style of boxer, that being a deep and resonating sound. I would recommend this to anyone who listens to Sufjan Stevens, Modest Mouse, Andrew Bird, or Devotchka.

one of my favorite bands... fake empire and slow show are amazing!

I came across this group while they were opening up for R.E.M. this summer. I was so drawn to the lead singer's voice, I could barely contain myself. This is good, solid stuff. The vocals are hypnotizing and haunting. Check it out. You will not be disappointed. Besides the popular tracks (1,2,6,7) I love Brainy and Green Gloves. Slow Show is probably my favorite.

Ever now and again you hear an album that you just want to listen to over and over again for its originality, the way it takes you and you want more and more. Boxer is that. A friend asked who they sound like and they are their own sound which today means so much. A truly wonderful piece of work! Slow Show and Fake Empire are my favorites.

This band exceeds all of my previous expectations, meeting somewhere between The Arcade Fire and Interpol. This record has inspired me to write music again. The band displays skillful simplicity, and Matt Berninger's voice is one that will leave you coming back for more.

the national is one of my favorite bands and their music is awesome

Dark, melodic, his voice is captivating, the music has depth.

This album is definitely a departure of sorts for them, but it delivers in the best of ways. Great songwrting, great musicianship, wonderful production. One of the best of 2007.

I have to admit i had no clue who this band was until i saw "O Brother, Where Bart Though" of Gossip Girl, the episode featured The Nationals song Slow Show. Ever since then, ive been in love with the entire album! There isnt alot of music that really gets to me anymore, but i have to say this album definately does. CHEERS FOR THE NATIONAL.

This album is beautiful. The songs, lyrics and everything are just beautiful and wonderful to listen to. Best album by the National

This album is great from begining to end. Do you self a solid and go buy it NOW!!!

Every song on this cd is amazing. I especially love fake empire, start a war and racing like a pro. They've got a really unique sound that's so soothing and good for the soul.

Truly dead on review...listened to it a few times in early summer. After recently downloading their concert from NPR's All Songs Considered podcast, I can't stop listening to this band. I literally wake up humming "You get mistaken for stranger by your own friends"....Buy it.

I actually discovered this album through the "Just for You" feature in the iTMS. iTunes definitely got it right: this music has all of my favorite components. Carefully thought-out arrangements, slightly murky (but not lo-fi) production, smoldering vocals, evocative lyrics, fantastic and complex rhythms. I can't get enough of it, and I feel like I learn more from each listen. This album goes beyond being fun to listen to—it's downright inspiring. So glad I discovered it.

The National is an amazing band and this is their very best album. I saw them live the other day and their playing was truly beautiful. You. need. this. album. Trust me you won't regret it.

A review I just read likened this album to a late night car ride and I couldn't agree more. The National are now one of my favorite bands.

The perfect album to sit in your room and cry to after getting beat up by your little sister.

I heard a gritty song played during the "Southland" tv show pilot that aired last week and learned that it was "Fake Empire". It's great when tv producers expose viewers to music not regularly played on the radio, etc. TV is still a great avenue for artists to widen their audience! Thanks for the intro to The National...

Nuf Said

When I first heard about this band from a good friend- I wanted to listen to it right away. To be totally honest-I was really disappointed. I thought it was boring and not catchy at all. But I decided to buy "Mistaken For Strangers" and give it a chance, since it was coming so highly recomended. Yet the more I listened to it, there was something that caught my attention. And now after a few more listens---I'm a devotee! I love The National now, and I want people to know that even if it doesn't appeal to you at first--Give It A Chance! Songs I recommend are: ~Mistaken For Strangers (From Boxer Album) ~Apartment Story (From Boxer Album) ~Fake Empire(From Boxer Album) ~Cold Girl Fever (From self titled album The National) The great thing about this band is---the more you listen, the more you fall in love!

I decided to buy this on a total whim, and I found it surprisingly likable. I've never heard of this band before and it was "grouped" into a bunch of bands that I always hear scene kids listening too. Music of this variety is normally excessively bland with shallow uncreative lyrics, so I wasn't sure I'd like this. I was shocked at how good it was. I haven't heard lyrics this good in years. I'd almost compare it to Morrissey. I'm sure a lot of the "hipster" music that is "ironically" trendy now (Vampire Weekend anyone?) will fall off the face of known existance fairly soon, but I wouldn't be surprised if we hear more from this one. FINALLY, a band with substance!

The album is simply amazing! This requires a handful of listens before you can fully appreciate it's beauty as a whole. Just as the itunes reviewer says, a perfect companion on a midnight drive!

The National's music is both comforting and challenging. It's easy to play it in the background, nice sound, comforting. However, if you take the time to listen, not just hear, it will take you somewhere you've never been before. No other band sounds quite like this.

Somehow I missed this album when it came out. I knew it had gotten good reviews and appeared on several best of lists but I didn't check this out until I saw them open for REM/Modest Mouse. They blew me away with their truly original sound. As several people have noted this album is perfect for a late night car ride in the dark. In my opinion they are one of the few bands out with a truly original sound. Where most of the newer bands update 70's/80/90's groups, The National is truly original. Very brainy lyrics sung with a Leonard Cohen sounding deep voice. All of this is backed by one of the greatest drummers I have ever heard. To get a sample check out Fake Empire, Mistaken for Strangers, Apartment Story, Start a War, and ADA. You will not be disappointed.

UMM DUH! I cant believe i first heard of this band only a few short weeks ago on One Tree Hill. They are AMAZING! I hope this band has alot of success. Its shoking to me though, how can a band continuously do so well? Time after time they just keep getting better.

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