this is the best "indie" band not from canada right now.

this is the best "indie" band not from canada right now.

Nice photos. I'll probably hit one of the two shows (Music Hall more likely), since that Seaport sound-system fiasco really kind of spoiled the last time they played here. I'm not surprised they sounded great at ACL, they are really tight live these days.

BV - if you've been as slow on the uptake with these guys as i have, i just have to say - just wait. because once they click (both live and on record) they REALLY click. after doubting them (for no good reason) for quite some time i'm now a huge fan.

The only reason why I didn't get into the National sooner was because they never received a ringing endorsement from you, BV. Now that the National are cool in your book, I can finally start to like them.

All kidding aside, the National picqued my interest when CYHSY were opening for them in 2005. I think it sucks that a lot of people were leaving the shows after CYHSY's set and not giving the National a chance. I'll bet the National have more longevity that CYHSY.

Boxer is one of the best releases this year. I only saw one of the BB shows, but it was excellent. I was bummed that the National are playing NYC the same night as !!! Now, I can see both bands since the National are playing Brooklyn the next night. St. Vincent, who I assume will be opening, is also very much worth checking out.

boxer=arguable album of the year

I think this will be my first music hall show since the renovation.

And I might just have to agree with "Boxer" being album of the year. It's legit.

any word if St. Vincent is opening up for the National at Music Hall? That makes a BIG difference.

Nice, no snarky comments so far!

I think the Music Hall would be a better place to see them (more intimate), but it doesn't seem like St. Vincent's opening. Stars are playing the Music Hall too, score!

I already saw them at Bowery this year... so I think I'd rather check them out at the opening of Terminal 5. Especially if St. Vincent isn't playing MHOW.

Saw them open for Arcade Fire, then twice at Bowery, then at ACL. They get better every time, more and more comfortable with the new material and with success in general (but they all still seem really down to earth, which is really nice). Their set, and Cold War Kids were probably my favorites from ACL. Well, then, that Dylan fellow was pretty good too once he got over his early set croaking (thought it was Jimmy Durante for a second).

another preppy frat band. like spoon, only duller.

All this positivity couldn't possibly have lasted around here.

shit music from a crap boring band

Although it hasn't yet been announced, why wouldn't St. Vincent be opening for the National? She is opening for them the night before at Terminal 5. She is scheduled to play in NYC the following week during CMJ, and she doesn't have any dates in between that would take her out of town.

Maybe I'm just being hopeful.

whatever, i would pledge any frat matt berninger was in.

Is St. Vincent performing with a backing band or is she solo? I can't tell what her live shows are like. All her youtube clips are of her performing solo, whereas her album (quite good) has a much fuller, richer sound.

she's solo, I saw her open for national last night in omaha. It was sort of dissapointing seeing here without a band. Her band came with her in the form of pedals and drum machines, which made it more frantic for her than anything. Her voice though was outstanding as usual.

The National, hmm. I've always been on the fence them. I feel bad for saying this, but i left halfway through their set. No excitement.

she's solo, I saw her open for national last night in omaha. It was sort of dissapointing seeing here without a band. Her band came with her in the form of pedals and drum machines, which made it more frantic for her than anything. Her voice though was outstanding as usual.

The National, hmm. I've always been on the fence them. I feel bad for saying this, but i left halfway through their set. No excitement.

Ah the snarky commenters came out! Surprise surprise! Boxer is my album of the year too. I saw them for the first time at Emo's Saturday and then again at ACl the next day. Both sets were amazing.

I'm just giving you my honest opinion. I agree with you on the album. It's great. I kept moving from track to track and couldn't put it down. In my opinion, in concert, they seemed to lack energy and onstage presence.