“How does it sound out there?” Matt Berninger asked after kicking off last night’s sold-out Bowery show with a one-two “Start A War”/”Brainy” Boxer combo. A female voice shouted, “Bring up the vocal a little!” After a few laughs, bassist/guitarist Aaron Dessner sighed back, “That’s what they all say.”
It’s true, though; everybody wants to hear what this band is saying, and thanks to Alligator‘s slow-burn and Boxer‘s knockout broody cool, everyone wants to pledge their allegiance to the National. If it sounds like they’re enjoying their time in the spotlight, well, they are. And if it sounds like they’re comfy in their onstage role as critically-adored rock stars, well, almost. Though this was night four of a sold-out five-night run at Bowery (wow), Berninger seemingly took a few songs to embrace the effect his boozy baritone was having on the Ballroom. With “Secret Meeting” (and the crazy applause that welcomed it), Matt put the nail-biting (literally) behind and started basking — to the point that, late in the set, he pulled out a trick he picked up from Win Butler and hurled himself twenty people deep into the Bowery floor. They are learning to be rock stars after all! And we’ve got the MTV clips to prove it.
The show was awesome (drawing from Alligator and Boxer, how could it not be?), and the crowd was there solely to love ‘em up. The National still like to lurk in dim lights and shadows (when they’re not playing on MTV, that is), so the pics are few — but all the more reason for you to see ‘em on their tour, which kicks off Saturday after wrapping up their Bowery residency tonight. And feel free to shout out requests, even if you don’t know their stuff. “Play a new song!” one dude yelled after a stunning “Slow Show.”
“That was a new song,” Matt smiled. “But thanks for asking.”
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am i the only one in the world who thinks this band is pretentious bullshit?
Yes. Probably you’re the ONLY one.
no, you’re just the only one who is acting like a kneejerk hipster reactionary. This band is good, and it won its audience through a slow build as the songs started to click with people. The songs are subtle, well-arranged, and the melodies memorable.
Pretentious is all of you who hate because their getting well earned respect.
to random: probably not. Their music isn’t meant for everyone, but no music ever is. I just hope you’re not patting yourself on the back too much for joining in on the most predictable backlash of 2007.
how the fuck does the national get labeled ‘pretentious’? i can see being reactionary and disliking their now (almost) mass appeal, but their catchy hooks and riffs seem anything but pretentious.
either way… ya, you’re probably the only one who thinks this. boxer is probably the best release thus far this year (though i fully admit i’ve been in a bit of a cave this year).
Am I the only one in the world who thinks Matt Berninger should open his eyes?
They are getting the attention that should have been heaped upon tindersticks back in the day. That’s not to say they aren’t a great band cuz they are.
And their drummer kicks much ass…in a subtle, skiffling sorta way.
Boxer is excellent. I liked alligator, but it took a long time to “get.” I now like alligator more after listening to Boxer.
Hey “random”, here’s the definition of “pretentious.” Would you care to explain what you mean by “this band is pretentious bullshit”?Taking note of the actual definition, not your made up definition.
pre·ten·tious (pr?-t?n’sh?s) adj.
1.Claiming or demanding a position of distinction or merit, especially when unjustified.
2.Making or marked by an extravagant outward show; ostentatious.
If you say you don’t like them or other people give them too much credit or accolades, that’s fine. But, the term you used-pretentious, doesn’t really apply.
Please use a dictionary before your next post. I don’t have time for your pretentious bullshit.
Seriously, what’s the point of getting all worked up about some stupid comment? It seems like just about EVERY post on this site elicits some sort of dumb, argument-baiting post, and you people fall for it everytime. Ignore it. People are entitled to their opinions, and attacking them isn’t going to convince them that they’re wrong. All you’re accomplishing is making this site a miserable thing to read.
@ steve.
You are an idiot. I hate you and your stupidity. All of your opinions suck YOU MORON.
I love the National, but the dude is pure spazz onstage. I might find it cute if I were a girl.
Saw them open for Arcade Fire @ Radio City 5.9.07.
I actually like both “Alligator” and “Boxer” (brings back memories of listening to Echo and the Bunnymen and the Cure on WDRE) but they kinda lack something live.
Or maybe I was just looking forward to seeing Arcade Fire live again. Yeah, I think that’s it.
Matt going into the crowd during Abel 5/31 @ Bowery. Not my vid — wish it was.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr8a9bqc4IQ
cannot wait to see these guys tomorrow night in philadephia! the national totally stole the show for me last year at the pf festival in chicago, which to me says alot about them. they were (also) great as the brief opener for arcade fire a few weeks ago. should be really intersting to see them as a true headliner.
you can’t play another song after throwing yourself into the plebeians.
i’m from cincinnati and have known these guys music for about 7 years. in my mind the sudden rapture is the hipster bandwagon. for me, these are “the poetic truths of high school journal keepers”. suburban kids from cushy middle class families. being philosophical about matt’s random rediculous pretentious lyrics is just nonsense.
I’m sorry Matt stole your lunch money 7 years ago. Really i am. How pretentious of him to write about the misery of white-collar office life! I mean, why can’t he be more down to earth and write about how the world is about to end, like everyone else? REDICULOUS!
I’m sorry but the lead singer to me sounds like the guy from Elefant, except he’s a pretentious idiot like the latter. I’ve seen these open for other bands twice and they can play but I don’t see what all the fuss is about.
Sorry. ^^ I meant to say that he’s NOT a pretentious idiot like Diego from Elefant.
i think thats why i like his lyrics, because they are NOT prententious. i love the band despite whatever the backlash pundits are goning to say.
sorry, but they suck. they always have and always will. no backlash. they’ve always been mediocre at best. known them for years. pretenious bullshit.
what a good show.
i don’t get it. i never have. i don’t really understand those who say they didn’t care for the music and then it grew on them after awhile. for me, that means the love of the music came from populist appeal, not individuals actually liking it on first listen.
total bandwagon propaganda. not that bothered about them. eh.
anyone else at the show catch that bit about stealing a line in City Middle from Jonathan Ames?
Anyone know what thats about?
anyone else at the show catch that bit about stealing a line in City Middle from Jonathan Ames?
Anyone know what thats about?
I think one of the more admirable qualities of The National is that every member of the group takes a very obvious creative role in each of the songs. There is no competition or power struggles. It isn’t just one guy that writes all the songs and lyrics and the rest of the group comes along when they play live. Every member has true talent in their particular area of musicianship and are willing to sacrifice and work for the good of the whole. There are seriously very few bands that do this these days. Whether you like them or not The National is a ‘Band’, first and foremost.
the national is a great great rock band. they’re making beautiful, diverse music and they keep getting better. boxer has a shot to be the album of the year.
The National put on a superb show Friday night at the Bowery. These guys are about as unpretentious as you can get – they just seem to care about playing their best. Granted, to these ears, their sound gives a nod to Tindersticks circa ’95, but I aleady hear a progression from “Alligator” to “Boxer” towards their own style. With the live showing on Friday, the National has moved firmly onto my own list of current Great Rock Bands.
i don’t know. they seem quite boring.
doesn’t anybody else crave chaotic outofcontrol eccentric rockstars who makes passionate unforgettable music?
i don’t know. they seem quite boring.
doesn’t anybody else crave chaotic outofcontrol eccentric rockstars who makes passionate unforgettable music?
uhhuh and morewhatever, the same post with different names? weird. i need something better to do with my days!
With music, as with the rest of the arts, it is all “pretentious bullshit”… However, it’s Incredible Sounding “pretentious bullshit”.
get over the fact you don’t get it or don’t want to.
Give me the self-inflicted Tindersticks sound
any and all the time.
I don’t get it but I wish these guys all the success in the world. Very nice people. That said, they have the most fratty bro-down audience I’ve ever seen at the bowery. Thought I was a rush week or something.
I had that same-fucking thing destroy my love of GBV.
what do you do when assholes rule ….
oh wait —
that is our everyday.
The show on Friday night was good. Yet, New York City audiences once again proved how douchey they are. Truly amazing.
no, random–
i dont get it either, why people love this band so much. i guess good for them–but yeah, i also find them beyond pretentious. the 90s are over, thank god.
Hey, I was there on Wed and the crowd was great…excited and appreciative, but not assholes. But, Friday’s sold out show was even solder-out than Wed. They obviously let a bunch of extra people in there (is the FDNY listening???) so it was much more crowded than other Bowery sold out shows I’ve been to. And, too many of them talked through the show. My guess? The dreaded INDUSTRY ASSHOLES. Industry people should just stay home. Nothing ruins a show than the admission of industry people who are not really fans and who talk through the show. Hate them hate them hate them.
Not sure why people are hurling personal insults against the band. You either like or you don’t. What I don’t understand is why someone who doesn’t like them spends time on their posts.
Intriguing …
BTW- the Dessners are good people and so is the rest of the band. Very humble and thrilled about their exposure, which is way overdue.
Not sure why people are hurling personal insults against the band. You either like or you don’t. What I don’t understand is why someone who doesn’t like them spends time on their posts.
Intriguing …
BTW- the Dessners are good people and so is the rest of the band. Very humble and thrilled about their exposure, which is way overdue.
People should quit throwing out the word “pretentious” and giving no support for their accusation. I was searching the web about this very idea… funny enough, I stumbled on this ranting and raving. I saw a show in Denver and at the beginning Matt said to the crowd (in a not so tongue-in-cheek sort of way) he’s still not sure he should have given up his job for this. Kinda funny, kinda not… I can’t believe someone identifies with their music as “write[ing] about the misery of white-collar office life” Hey dude, do you listen to the lyrics? For instance, from Mr. November: “I’m the new blue blood, I’m the great white hope” and “I used to be carried in the arms of cheerleaders” — you wonder why the frat bois were there? — And how about this from All the Wine: “I’m put together beautifully” … “I’m a perfect piece of ass” and so on… From Squalor Victoria (what ever that means?): “Underline everything, I’m a professional in my beloved white shirt.” At the show in Denver there was this dipshit in a suit by himself pressed right up against the stage screaming over and over with the band “I’m the new blue blood, I’m the new blue blood…” I’d like to be wrong about my take on this, and if you can please prove me wrong… Truth be told, I think Boxer is a brilliant album.