The National @ BAM: A River Full Of Lost Sharks
Last night marked my fourth time seeing the National since the release of their enthralling junior LP, Alligator. Surprisingly and/or thankfully their debut at the 2100-capacity Brooklyn Academy Of Music did not vary greatly from their standard riveting gigs over the course of the last three years. The show focused primarily on 2007's Boxer & the aforementioned, Alligator, as per usual. However, one key difference was the backing string and horn sections which added a much-adored texture and fullness to The National's aggregated sound. Another unexpected treat was a guest appearance by Sufjan Stevens whom tickled the ivories during 'Ada'. Along with a beautiful backdrop, perfect acoustics and a certain magic in the air, The National undoubtedly soared throughout the 90-minute gig. Visit the band at their official site. Enjoy some photos, the setlist & an MP3 below.
Setlist: Start A War. Brainy. Baby We'll Be Fine. Slow Show. Secret Meeting. Mistaken For Strangers. Squalor Victoria. Abel. Wasp Nest. Racing Like A Pro. Ada. Apartment Story. Untitled New Song. Karen. Fake Empire... City Middle. Mr November. About Today. Gospel.
MP3: The National - Brainy [alt link]
Setlist: Start A War. Brainy. Baby We'll Be Fine. Slow Show. Secret Meeting. Mistaken For Strangers. Squalor Victoria. Abel. Wasp Nest. Racing Like A Pro. Ada. Apartment Story. Untitled New Song. Karen. Fake Empire... City Middle. Mr November. About Today. Gospel.MP3: The National - Brainy [alt link]Labels: bam, concert review, the national
posted by m | 12:10 PM
14 Comments:
what time did the show start last night? anyone opened for them? have tix for tonight, but i have something earlier on, not sure what time i can go for it at the latest
my brightest diamond @ 8
the national @ 9:10
show over around 10:30/10:40
I guess they allow photographs to be taken?
err, not really, watch your back!
Hey M, I recorded the show, so feel free to post link.
Maybe my seat was too far to the side, but to my eyes/ears, this gig fell flat. Where was the danger? Every song felt overly controlled, as if a proper execution was the ultimate goal. All told, I was pretty disappointed.
thanks for the heads up, nyctaper!
i really like these guys....but despite the style i'm bothered by the sheer difficulty of hearing the vocals (BAM 2/23 included)...which are in many case so ABSOLUTELY fabulous and work so well with the music. the mix has to change and (i know, i know it's heresy)...matt has to enunciate a bit more). not everyone is going to memorize the lyrics.
the show was absolutely beautiful, magnificent. soaring. there was nothing flat about it at all. it was gorgeous, every moment of it.
I have to agree that the Friday show was not the best show. One of the main problem has to do with the venue. Rock concert in a seated opera house probably made people too relaxed (or timid?). Anyway, it took a while to get the people excited but they failed to get the momentum going by singing quiet songs. A guy in front of me actually dozed off between 'Wasp Nest-Ada'. 'Mr. November- About Today' was the highlight of the night that made everyone go bonkers but Matt again quickly killed it by wrapping up the show with 'Gospel'.
After reading about Friday's show, it seems that Saturday's show which I attended was much better. At least in terms of audience reaction, that is. I was in the orchestra and people were on their feet for about 3/4 of the show and clapping along to the faster songs. This was my very first National concert and it was terrific. Can't wait to see them again with REM and Modest Mouse.
posted by: driverdave
great pics... but that's the 2/22 setlist.
2/23 had green gloves and soho riots, and i don't think they did karen.
and the 2/23 version of about today was spine-tinglingly amazing.
nice site, btw.
he went on 2/22, anon.
has anyone found a version of the untitled new song anywhere? i was at the 2/23 show and I love that song...been looking for it everywhere. that's the "no getting back to New York" one right? anyway, would love the help, if anyone know where/how to get it. thanks!
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