openened?

ravishing post

Good to know.

I feel like i was there just from the description alone.

Is St. Vincent entertaining live? I hear that it is only her with a guitar and maybe a track on occasion. why doesn't she recruit a band?

It was a placeholder - I'm working on it. :-)

And the place is HORRIBLE. Way too many people packed into the place. They say it holds 3000 people...but that is if u spread people out over their 3 floors. But of course everyone wants to be on mainfloor because there is NO sightlines from the above floors which makes the main floor a circus.

I never thought i would say this but I wish last nights show was at Roseland. I tried all night to get a decent spot to watch the show and I couldnt fine one. The sound system also SUCKED. Unless you were dead center on the main floor u cant hear the show.

VERY BAD VENUE. I am selling my Justice tickets as Sat night will be a disaster.

I thought the venue would have been more enjoyable with 500 or so less people. It is a cool looking place with lots of space, but much of this space affords no view of the stage.

Overall, I think it is better than the Roseland for seeing a concert. They just need to hand out the wristbands at the door and open up the floor and hallways for a better of flow of people.

The National were great, but a litte less rocking than I would have preferred in their song selection. I say this because, the venue was more of a scene in terms of talking amongst the crowd during the concert rather than listening to the music, i.e. at the Bowery and Radio City Hall.

I'm glad I waited and got tickets for tonight instead.

Hey Pumpkin Head -

She has a live band, but they're not participating on this tour b/c the label won't pay for it. When she headlined Bowery, the band was there and it was much much better. She sounded good last night, but the band is a serious improvement for her.

Spike Owen - shouldn't you be playing SS for the Red Sox?

I was near the front on the floor and there was no talking. In fact, when two ditzy blondes started talking, they were told to shut up immediately.

I had a great experience. I was upstairs (3rd Floor), just above the band yet was steps from the bar. I could see everything from the side yet no one was bumping into me and the sound was perfect. I would definitely go back. Strangely I did see a lot of Wall Street types...

I had a great experience. I was upstairs (3rd Floor), just above the band yet was steps from the bar. I could see everything from the side yet no one was bumping into me and the sound was perfect. I would definitely go back. Strangely I did see a lot of Wall Street types...

anyone know what the camera policy is for this place? i called the merc lounge box office yesterday and tehy said there were no professional cameras allowed, but is this enforced?

Is the national only reserved for certain types? I didnt know that there is a certain dress code you need to see a band live (many people come straight from work)...Also, this concert just wasn't that good; ive seen bands with a lot better energy...That venue was so wack and people just complain about tall people like me standing in front of them...shut up and listen to the music without an attitude.

Yeah bumpershine got it wrong. Sound was really not good and sightlines are awful. Roseland is better. And Bowery and Music Hall, bumper? What about mercury lounge??? Music Hall is ok but the walls are just bare concrete with no sound padding so the sound is a little cold and harsh there.

And yeah Anon 10:51, of course the national tonite at music hall is gonna be so much better. Goes without saying.

You can get equal enjoyment from listening to the album...and I didnt feel that way when I saw them at the Bowery...A great band who's act is getting tired and has no stage presense...wanna see a real live act, go check out Battles

"Is St. Vincent entertaining live? I hear that it is only her with a guitar and maybe a track on occasion. why doesn't she recruit a band?"

she has a band, she just isn't able to bring them along for support on all tours. so she'll do a tour with band, and then the next would be sans band. sadly, it's all economics.

Is the national only reserved for certain types? I didnt know that there is a certain dress code you need to see a band live (many people come straight from work)...Also, this concert just wasn't that good; ive seen bands with a lot better energy...That venue was so wack and people just complain about tall people like me standing in front of them...shut up and listen to the music without an attitude.

I love how unfinished the place was. unpainted walls, paint splatered floors. I'm amazed the fire marshall let people in to the show.

the national are from ohio.

Last night I was really regretting not going to see the National but after reading these posts I'm glad I didn't go! I saw them play at the Bowery in their last stint which was amazing (and so was the crowd) but last time I saw them people talked through the whole thing. Granted it was the free show at south street seaport but I really don't understand talking through an entire show, especially during the National's slow songs. They are so beautiful live but when someone is next to you talking about how much they love a good cheeseburger during 'About Today', it really ruins the live music experience. I'm looking forward to hearing about how the Music Hall show is in comparison. Have fun if you have tickets!

"And yeah Anon 10:51, of course the national tonite at music hall is gonna be so much better. Goes without saying."

Of course, because it's in Brooklyn. Get a fvcking life.

"wanna see a real live act, go check out Battles."

You say this now; if they can ever fill a venue any bigger than Bowery, you will immediately hate them.

Macker - the show was great. Ignore these dipshits who criticize anything that isn't the height of hip.

Hey Jason,

Bowery Presents takes their camera policy very seriously. Anything short of "Professional" cameras, they will look the other way. But if you're there with a Pro camera, they will stop you immediately.

Bowery Presents charges a fee for professional photographers and people who shoot video. I tried to get permission to videotape a Bowery show at Webster Hall and they told me they charge $500 per camera. This is strictly enforced.

I've seen bouncers shut down people with tiny video cameras and pro still cameras.

So... if you're planning on snapping some photos at a Bowery venue, bring your Elf and leave your SLR at home.

Can't wait for Daft Punk to play there.

Yeah, the place is, upon first impression, *huge*. But that's all pretty deceptive. The sight lines are horrible. Yeah, if you scored a seat along the railing on the second or third floors you were in good shape. But even with only one deep at the railing it's near impossible to see if you're standing behind those that snagged seats. And I don't have a problem with crowds, but the main floor was crazy packed. Maybe it was just a first night thing. But overall: pretty underwhelming. Not sure I'll be back anytime soon.

The sight line complaints are the same as people who show up at movies on opening night three minutes before it starts and complain when there are no good seats available. I showed up a little bit into St. Vincent's set and had no problem getting a great spot in the middle of the floor about eight people back.

The venue isn't nearly as bad as people have post on here. There is plenty of room, and the show last night was good. The problem is the negativity of most of the people that post here. This place is much much better than Roseland and the sound was very good as well.

So ultimately, how was St. Vincent w/o the band. I saw her @ the Bowery with backup and I thought she was pretty amazing. Just wondering.

and I hate Battles already.

I thought that the venue did a fairly good job for opening night. Yes there were glitches but considering the enormous undertaking that is opening a 3000 person venue, it was fairly well orchestrated. One qualm is that the drink prices are higher than Bowery ($6 Bud, $7 All other beers, $8 mixed drinks). I know that the lease has got to be significantly more expensive than Bowery's, but there are also more patrons, although it is an all ages venue so there may proportionately less drinkers to make profit from.

at least they opened....

you guys dont seem to get it...ive always loved the national and I always will, I just do not think they are a peaked live act...they don't have the charisma that they used to; they are just turning into one of those bands that does it for the large crowds to satisfy the max amt of people possible, which is fine by me...but I would not see them again live, just not worth my time and all the people who are hyping it up when they just heard Boxer for the first time last week.

I almost had a heart attack when I showed up at 7:30 and saw that there was a line down the block waiting to get inside..Figured everyone would show up at 8:00 when St. Vincent when on..

Radiohead - album of the year...don't try to act like it's not just because its popular..its the most legit thing thats come out this season except possibly sunset rubdown

I'm convinced that the positive posts must be from Bowery Presents people...because the place BLOWS! I was within 15-20 feet from the stage under the balcony and u could not hear Matt speaking. Also...the post above is correct. Unless you get a seat at one of the balconies u will cannot see at all.

What is going to happen at the Justice show? No one will want to watch the show from 2nd or 3rd floor...everyone will want to be on the floor. I can see that being a nightmare situation.

I think it's you who doesn't get it Yoda. The person you are arguing with - me - got Alligator the day it came out because i loved Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers. How can you begrudge a band you supposedly love for being able to make a living? These guys have been working for this for nearly a decade.

I was surprised when I heard a National song play while on line at the bank the other day.

That's ok, Band of Horses sold a song to Wal-Mart for an ad.

That's ok, Band of Horses sold a song to Wal-Mart for an ad.

I am not hip and I don't complain a lot. But the floor was very crowded and there was a very loud din of conversation noticeable between songs and at quieter points. Getting a beer took a half an hour before the show. A very long line for wristbands (which did move quickly) clogged up the entrance to the main floor from the main entrance.

Those are all facts, not opinions.

if you wanted a beer, if was easier to get one upstairs where there was no wait. sightlines upstairs though were nonexistent. they need to add a raised platform or something.

i was able to see fine from anywhere on the main floor, it didnt seem that crowded to me, but then again i stopped exploring about right before the band came on.

Mercury Lounge has my vote as best venue. I know it's small but the sound is so much better than the rest. And I like the intimacy.

Honestly, the vast majority of you are complete morons. Mercury Lounge and Bowery Ballroom are not options for a band that can sell 3k seats! Why would they play there if they can sell 3k seats? They play music for the love AND to make a living. This venue should be compared against Hammerstein and Roseland, and nothing else.

ok, its decided, this venue sucks. Also if you notice no one goes up in the balcony at New North Six either because that sucks as well, and because the bouncer up there tells you you cant stand by the barrier. Everything sucks, more and more.

"What is going to happen at the Justice show? No one will want to watch the show from 2nd or 3rd floor"

Is there really anything to *see* at a Justice show? My only concern for this show is that the sound is good throughout the venue. No need to stare at a stage only to have a cross burned into my retina by the end of the night...

i walked in at 8:45 and got a spot about 20 feet from the stage. the place reminds me of how the limelight used to be. the sound wasn't stellar but it was better than webster hall.

the brooklyn shows will probably be better because there will be less people talking. had i known about the shows before the teminal 5 ones went on sale i would have bought them. but i'm not upset i went last night.

plus they are playing for free on monday at hiro ballroom.

Jack:

I have a press pass for CMJ and have shot at Bowery venues many times without a pass (and with) with no problems from security. Never had my bag searched and never have had an issue with my camera. I was only wondering since I'm shooting Spoon at Roseland and then wanted to go to Justice without having to go back all the way downtown, dropping off my gear, and then coming back to Terminal Five. Looks like that isn't going to be an option though.

i think mondays show is at highline ballroom, not hiro.. but im not positive. either way, its free! and begins with an H.

http://www.looserecord.com/ has a review

http://www.looserecord.com/ has a review

"with a few less hipsters than usual and a few more investment bankers"

I thought hipsters WERE investment bankers. Just the malnourished variety with tight jeans.

wait, seriously, $6 for a bud light?

ALL OF YOU LEAVE THIS CITY!!!!! WHY ARE YOU HERE??????

www.diehipster.com

www.diehipster.com

www.diehipster.com

I went to the show and bought a Lexus next door..

I went to the show and bought a Lexus next door..

diehipster,

You're still pushing that half-assed website? You know, the one where you rip on artists/designers who move to New York in hopes of making a living off of doing what they love, simply because it inconveniences you by raising your rent? Ironically, you shamelessly post your links in an article on The National, people who MOVED TO NEW YORK TO MAKE A LIVING AS ARTISTS FROM OHIO.

Newsflash buddy, your city is made of people who moved to it, and they appear to be offering a lot more than your shitty website that clearly characterizes you as a halfwit. I don't even live in New York and I can see that.

Hey Mark B,

You said "simply because it inconveniences you by raising your rent? "

You idiot, you think that that isn't a big problem? Wake up indie boy. You'll never know what it feels like being that you're "not from NYC". I can talk being I am from NYC. Now go do something artsy, before being artsy catches on.

diehipster.com

From wikipedia

"11 Clues You Are a Hipster
1. You graduated from a liberal arts school whose football team hasn't won a game since the Reagan administration.
2. You frequently use the term 'postmodern' (or its commonly used variation 'PoMo') as an adjective, noun, and verb.
3. You carry a shoulder-strap messenger bag and have at one time or another worn a pair of horn-rimmed or Elvis Costello-tyle glasses.
4. You have refined taste and consider yourself exceptionally cultured, but have one pop vice (ElimiDATE, Quiet Riot, and Entertainment Weekly are popular ones) that helps to define you as well-rounded.
5.You have kissed someone of the same gender and often bring this up in casual conversation.
6. You spend much of your leisure time in bars and restaurants with monosyllabic names like Plant, Bound, and Shine.
7. You bought your dishes and a checkered tablecloth at a thrift shop to be kitschy, and often throw vegetarian dinner parties.
8. You have one Republican friend whom you always describe as being your 'one Republican friend.'
9. You enjoy complaining about gentrification even though you are responsible for it yourself.
10. Your hair looks best unwashed and you position your head on your pillow at night in a way that will really maximize your cowlicks.
11. You own records put out by Matador, DFA, Definitive Jux, Dischord, Warp, Thrill Jockey, Smells Like Records, and Drag City."
12. You have downloaded R. Stevie Moore videos and have attempted to enjoy them.

"I am from NYC". As are your parents, and their parents, and their parents... oh wait.

Your whole schitck is getting a little lame. Refreshing the comments every 30 seconds on BV isn't doing much about that thin line of hypocrisy you're toeing.

It's not a great venue, but for a venue "of its size", I think it's not that bad. To get into a little more detail about T5 vs Roseland. If you are at Roseland and it is sold out and you don't have a spot, you're fucked. There is nowhere to sit, you can't see the stage, and you'll end up under the overhang where the sound truly sucks. At T5 if you can't get a spot on the main floor, there are lots of places where you can sit and "hear" the show at least, and all the seats around the balcony railing have views. The sound on the balconies is decent and the sight lines are fine if you are on the railing or at the back. The other thing is, even at the height of the show, (while the venue was still crowded), I could still see the stage from the back of the main floor, and the sound was not half bad.

I was at the show last night. I thought T5 was fine. Only problem I had was right after the national started I had to piss so f'n bad, and I was on the far left side of the main floor. So, trying to get from that side to the bathroom was a bit problematic with the sellout crowd, but that's my own fault for not pissing before the show.

Other than that, I thought the sound was good, and the venue was pretty cool. But, I guess message/comments boards are for complaining, so on that note: It sucked, everything about it sucked, I hate everything.

Anybody happen to have a set list from the show?

What an amazing, smart band. I would see them play anywhere.

I totally agree, this VENUE IS THE WORST IN THE CITY, of the main ones I have been too. The acoustics are bad, it is difficult to see from anywhere on the floor. Didn't go up to the balcony. The stage isn't high enough.. I am 5'9" and couldn't see from the floor very well. I don't think it was the sound mixing, it was just the acoustics.. there are just way too many place for the sound to escape too. Also the place is just too big, it goes back way more than it is wide, think of seeing a show in a boot or shoe box. I will try to avoid this place and go to other venues.

"I don't think it was the sound mixing, it was just the acoustics.. there are just way too many place for the sound to escape too."

ahhh... I love the message boards. It gives the dumbest people in the world a platform to drop the gems like above.
In all seriousness, why don't you kill yourself you stupid fuck? You are too dumb to live. Keep your ridiculous opinions to yourself.

Wow Anon 10:30 -- it must be tough going through life having to put up with people who don't measure up.

By the way, do you have basic cable down there in your parent's basement or no?

"The stage isn't high enough.. I am 5'9" and couldn't see from the floor very well."

5'9" eh? Wow... who knew they stacked shit that high?!

Hey diehipster, I am a fan. Don't worry, they will never understand.

setlist:

Start a War
Mistaken for Strangers
Secret Meeting
Brainy
Baby, We'll Be Fine
Slow Show
Squalor Victoria
Abel
All the Wine
Racing Like a Pro
Ada
Apartment Story
Daughters of the Soho Riots
Fake Empire
About Today
--
Green Gloves (w/ Annie Clark)
Mr. November

Terminal 5 was a horrible venue. The sound was worse than a high school gym...just muddy and dull and horrible. Too crowded. Too many roped off sections. Too few bartenders (but the ones there were great and worked their asses off).

@ Jason,

Yeah they won't search your bag. They just may ask you to stop shooting if you try to shoot photos during the show. I saw them do this last night at the Music Hall. But others they simply ignored, so who knows? I think they're mostly concerned with people shooting video.

But as far as just bringing your camera in and keeping it in your bag, I don't think you'll have a problem.

So the National are playing a free show at the Highline Ballroom tonight RSVP only which is now closed..How did those of you who got on the list know about the show?? Was there some sort of Hipster newsletter sent out that I missed??

this show is invite only

i just got my RSVP denied e-mail.. turns out you could sign up for it, but they had an invite list, and if you werent on it, your rsvp was (rather politely) declined. oh well.

Thanks Jack, I figure with the combination of my physical ticket and CMJ press pass they won't hassle me. I just don't want to go all the way downtown to drop off my stuff after Spoon.

I wonder why the Highline posted the RSVP link on their blog if it was an invite only thing.

diehipster.com is a yawner. making easy jokes about trucker hats (which haven't been popular in years among 'hipsters') and drinking PBR is the blogging equivalent of teasing the fat girl who's thong is showing.

free Jameson + free National + small crowd = I'm glad I went to the Highline show and not all those other sold out ones!

terminal 5 is a terrible venue. the sound is horrible and it would make even the best band sound like shit. i have heard people at other venues and they sound great and here it's like wow... get me the fuck outta the place asap. i can't believe they opened this venue with such poor sound. although, the plus side is that it's a nice space. lots of space to lounge around in but the prices for drinks, shows are too much considering we are all going there for the fucking music not for fucking lounging!!!

Dear DieHipsterDie guy,

I too would like young people who go to music concerts to die. Perhaps we should have coffee sometime?