Quote:
Originally Posted by Pedestrian
There is something about Boxer which is permanent. Comfortable. Routine. It is an album managing to convey feelings of boredom and mediocrity without falling into them. It is both lush and subdued in its instrumentation. Matt Berninger's tired voice and sober lyrics express stagnancy and disenchantment. Boxer is the dark rings around your eyes as you stir in the morning hours. It is the tie you loosen at the end of an eight hour day.
I still do not believe that Boxer is a "grower" in any sense that can be monitored. You can't count the rings in its bark, or the penciled ticks in the doorway marking its growth. Boxer is unconscious and visceral, a parasite quietly reproducing within your system as you follow your schedule. It is only upon examination that you are made aware of how deeply rooted it has become. It is with this in mind that I must give The National's relentlessly obnoxious fans some due credit. It's not that your enjoyment of Boxer must follow a mathematical incline, but that its personal appeal, subtle and restrained, consumes the listener. Just wait. You'll see.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian E Coleman
It's definitely true what you said about routine.
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When people talk about their music like this though, about routine, immersion, unconscious, deeply routed...it makes me think whether it's bordering on background music. I suppose if you listen to any music often enough it might become routine and part of your psyche. But music which is more streamlined is probably easier to do this with as you don't engage with it so strongly and it can just flow over you. I know many people nowadays do like music that just has a beautiful sound. That's why there is this idolization of the vocal now, or a beautiful production, over the musical content. I like music that engages and interacts with me more though.
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