Boxer by The National

The followup to their excellent 2005 album Alligator, Boxer by The National ($14) is part Nick Cave, part orchestra-pop, and all kick ass. Lead singer Matt Berninger's lyrics convey the isolation and indifference of modern life with just a dash of hope, while the band's compositions of horns, strings, pianos, and more are self-aware without being pompous. Standout Tracks: "Mistaken for Strangers," "Apartment Story," "Fake Empire."