I have been a fan since the very beginning when I had a chance viewing of one of their gigs when on holiday in the states in 2000. I'll never forget that gig, they blew my mind and I got to meet Matt Berninger! Anyway, the album, when I heard the news of the new album I was ecstatic and when I first heard it I was blown away, such a difference from Alligator (which I thought couldn't be beaten at the time). The music, the lyrics, the difference in Matt's voice are simply stunning. As close to perfection as you'll get this century at least.

this is without doubt the best album i have bought this year....from last year...i really am lost for words..fantastic, the voice,what a voice, the tunes...oh really please buy NOW!! if you love music in any way there is surely almost nothing to fault here...if you on the other hand dont like your music with feeling, wit, wisdom buy tokio hotel...

Consistantly great, The National are true genius, I fully recommend this CD as it has achieved the impossible and bettered the Nationals previous outing 'Alligator', now I hope the produce a live album as they display such a raw energy on stage.

This has it all great vocals, piano, strings, rhythm, it has a quirkyness about it, some of it makes you laugh some of it makes you sad some of it just makes you want to jump aroung you kitchen like a loon.

The National's fourth return is a brooding, majestic album from this brookyn-based quartet. It offers a scathing account of corporate modern America, whilst delving lyrically into personal and social issues of the time.

From the opening chords of 'Fake Empire' a feeling of darkness and cynicism arises and ebbs and flows it's way throughout the record. The pace picks up momentarily on the succinct and uncompromising 'Mistaken for Strangers', the first single and 'Apartment Story', a song for solidarity in the weakest moments.
However, it is not stand out tracks that make 'Boxer' so impressive. it is its understated yet powerful narrative compositions and gritty lyrical offerings that make a solemn yet ultimately pleasing listen.

Bob Dylan for the modern generation and a must have for the thinking man's collection.