The National have come a long way over the last few years. Playing six shows in a row at The Beacon Theatre is no light task. Unlike other bands that have rose to fame, The National have paced themselves, letting everything happen naturally. That’s why no one is calling them sellouts. No one hates them for being able to sell out wonderful venues in NYC the minute they announce them. Everything about this band is humble, sincere, and honest. It’s why they’re the best band in America right now.
Picking a show to go to this week is like rolling a pair of dice. They’ve been altering their setlists with different songs from different era’s of their career, allowing a little something for everyone. On Thursday night they opened with “Thirsty” a song from 2002’s Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers. It was a keen reminder to the bands earlier days, a thank you to all the fans who have watched them grow ample amounts. From there, they dabble with songs from Alligator, picking two of my personal favorite cuts, the fiery “Abel” and the sincere emotional juncture that is “Baby, We’ll Be Fine”. Of course you got a strong selection of High Violets pieces (“Anyone’s Ghost”, “Conversation 16”, “England” and Boxer (“Slow Show, Squalor Victoria, “Fake Empire”).
The band were in high spirits, at ease with each other and the crowd. Matt was at the perfect buzz, hilariously starting “Sorrow” a few verses off, and realizing it after a few more. It was moments like this that make The National so much better than other bands. They connect with you on a level that’s so real, it’s scary. Just like their music. It all comes together full circle.
They threw in two rare cuts (“Exile Vilify” & “Driver, Surprise Me”) to my delight, and thankfully played both of the new songs, which are simple understated beauty. It’s always fun to get pumped up to “Mr. November” and “Terrible Love”, but after witnessing a perfect acoustic version of “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks” that allowed the crowd to take over as lead vocalist, I’m 100% sure it’s the only proper way to end their shows.
The National are wrapping up their High Violet tour after this run of shows, and we may not see them again for some time. If you can, be sure to catch them either tonight or tomorrow. You won’t regret it, I promise.
The setlist, and more photos after the jump.
Thirsty
Anyone’s Ghost
Baby, We’ll Be Fine
Bloodbuzz Ohio
Slow Show
Squalor Victoria
Afraid Of Everyone
Conversation 16
Driver, Surprise Me
Son
Abel
Sorrow
England
Fake Empire
Mr. November
Encore:
I Need My Girl
Exile Vilify
Terrible Love
Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks
Wye Oak opened. Only caught a few of their songs. But what I did hear sounded great.
Wye Oak:
Here’s the amazing performance of “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks”
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