The OFFICIAL The National Thread

[rass]

A running group and their band-inspired logos

[govmentchedda]

Would it surprise you to hear I have two of those items?

[rass]

Would not. I was surprised when IG didn't show you as a follower, though the # of mutuals and the accounts it listed were off by one so wasn't sure if you were hidden somehow.

[govmentchedda]

I think they were suggested to me by FB, not IG.

[mister d]

Brainy —> Conversation 16 —> Geese of Beverly Road —> Abel might be the best four song run I’ve ever gotten live. Shaky start too, any time the show is in the city I worry about a drunk one and he seemed it for the first few songs before settling in. Forest Hills is an exceptionally weird venue; former main court for the US Open turned abandoned site turned renovated half-bowl concert venue all in a misplaced rich suburban neighborhood in the middle of queens. And they served Other Half inside. Loved it.

(War on Drugs were really good as the opener too but far more classic-y rock and less psychedelic indie than I expected.)

[govmentchedda]

Next Saturday is our show. Looking forward to hanging out with the ghosts of girlfriends in Cleveland.

[sancarlos]

Next Saturday is our show. Looking forward to hanging out with the ghosts of girlfriends in Cleveland.

I trust you’re not wanted for murder?

[Giff]

Next Saturday is our show. Looking forward to hanging out with the ghosts of girlfriends in Cleveland.

Get to see them the day after you, but at a festival.

[mister d]

[DaveInSeattle]

Saw them last night...at Climate Pledge Arena, with the War on Drugs (we didn't make it in time to see Lucious).

Here's the set list: The National Setlist

They were good, as always, but after seeing them at smaller venues, I hate to say this but I think playing arenas doesn't work as well for them. Definitely loses something when not in a more intimate setting.

[mister d]

Oh yeah, I definitely agree there. I've seen them at MSG and Barclays and those are probably my two least favorite shows. Also, if I were to complain, while I've enjoyed the recent performances, they're getting waaaaaaay too predictable in terms of setlist. 15 shows so far on this tour, 10 songs have been played every time and another 4 have been played double digits and not because they're leaning into new stuff. They have the type of fanbase that hits multiple shows and eventually its not going to be worth it when you're just hoping you get a couple good rotation songs along with all the classics all the time.



(Granted I'm saying this having gotten what I assume is objectively the best show of the tour for an old-timer. Only "Brainy" so far and one of only two "Squalor Victoria" and "Geese of Beverly Road" (and one of three Vanderlyle if that's your thing).)

[govmentchedda]

I was so stoked to get Pink Rabbits, and the Dessners were both way too quiet in the mix at our show. Even "bad" National shows are great though.

[A_B]

They were good, as always, but after seeing them at smaller venues, I hate to say this but I think playing arenas doesn't work as well for them. Definitely loses something when not in a more intimate setting.

I felt like Rupp arena was too big for Jason Isbell, but the same number of people in an outdoor setting would be no issue at all.

[mister d]

Oh man ... tour debuts of both "Start a War" and "Green Gloves" in Portland last night.

[rass]

Wore my Sad Dads hoodie to the ‘Depot as one does, especially when it’s a little chillier than expected. And that EL VY song was playing over the speakers in the store. Also Matt has a new song out and I heard it today on the radio but I’m not recalling much other than thinking he multi-tracked his vocals at one point.

[mister d]

I haven't listened yet. As a rule, I really don't like it when lead singers go off and do their own thing.

[rass]

Check out comic #2

[mister d]

I feel like that would be a humiliating quote to be attached to.

[govmentchedda]

Alligator turns 20. Stereogum reflects.

Ugh. The article is good, but it's got me wistful for a younger, skinnier, less burdened time.

[A_B]

They can live up to 60. Seems odd. Can he drink now or something?

[mister d]

It may shock you to find out I enjoyed that article. Didn't know Alligator came out on my maternal grandmother's birthday.

[A_B]

It may shock you to find out I enjoyed that article. Didn't know Alligator came out on my maternal grandmother's birthday.

Damn you have a young family.