The National (live)

Heading into yesterday, I was fully anticipating Wednesday, May 27, to be a classic.  I had some buddies coming to town and we were all going to head to a local soccer pub to watch the EUFA championship (often referred to as the Super Bowl of soccer as it pulled in an estimated 200 million viewers).  Instead I woke up at 9 in the morning to a wicked bout of stomach sickness (this was a two pronged attack if you know what I mean...).  So when my friends rolled over to my house at noon I had to inform them that I was totally incapable of going.  Bogus.  After some comments about my "softness" they went ahead without me.  

Next, the day was to lead to a concert at the best venue in Atlanta (and best I've ever been to):   the Tabernacle.  And the featured act:  The National.  So I chugged a lot of water and ate a sandwich and made my way to the venue after meeting up with my friends.  Now, I've never been a true fan of their music although I am familiar with their catalogue and they have some great songs.  After picking up our tickets (at a price a little steeper than I would have liked) we ventured inside the inferno.  The place must had been 90 degrees and everyone was just a sloppy, sweaty mess.  We squeezed our way through the mass to get as close to the stage as possible but as I had been ridding my body of water all day (and supremely prone to heat stroke/exhaustion) I knew this wasn't a good idea.  So after 20 minutes (and getting harassed by some chick who I couldn't comment back to because my body was about to give out on me) I grabbed a water, made a bathroom stop and hoofed my way to the balcony seating in hopes of finding an AC vent.

No luck with the AC but I did find a nice seat with a great view of the whole stage.  Finally, at about 920 (there was no opening band, just some weird sax guy playing some equally weird sax-only music) the band hit the stage:  all five members plus a three piece horn section and a touring keyboardist.  They started off with a slower new song but quickly made their way into tracks from their popular albums Boxer and Alligator.  From there they didn't let up.  Lead singer Matt Berninger crooned his way through the set and bantered with the crowd (even acknowledging my friend and giving him a cup of the white wine he was sipping from throughout the show) often making reference to the beauty of the venue.

The show was amazing.  I was expecting a low-key set from these Brooklynites but it was quite contrary.  There were moments of intensity, sonic freakouts, punk-rock-like screaming and trashing and rollicking rockers.  Afterwards I was left with a greater love for the band.  I entered with a mild appreciation of them as studio artists but after witnessing their tightness as a band and rather intense live show, I found myself with a newfound respect of The National.  In the end, if you ever get a chance to check them out (even as a mild fan) jump at the opportunity for you will be treated to a great live show that will have you and your friends actively discussing it afterwards.