Things just seem to be getting better for the National. Anthemic choruses and mind-boggling percussion. Vocalist Matt Berninger’s Cohen-like passion and pitch are alarmingly honest. Knock-out album of 2007.

New album from the National. Great record.

This, the 2007 release from Brooklyn based indie rock band gained serious love a couple years back. It remains to be their most popular cd and for good reason.

Great indie album. A bit darker and more angular than some of the earlier album. The album certainly still has its catchy moments and the lyrics are great.

An insanely amazing album, Boxer by The National shows a depth many indie bands eschew. From the wonderfully melodic social commentary of "Fake Empire" to the debonair "Squalor Victoria" to the muted, soothing "Gospel," this was my #2 album of the year for 2007, featuring my own personal song of the year, "Mistaken for Strangers."

Searingly eloquent, marvelously magnificent, I cannot conjure the words to impress upon one and all how essential this album is. If you get the chance, see them live, because they are so raw and intense when performing these versions.

mellow, rock, baratone,

the national's sophomore album is for 20somethings caught in the morass of middle-class america. humanizes the driving joy division/interpol sound of galloping drums a bit, without losing the impact or import. with any luck, they'll turn out music this good for years.