It's only a little over a year since I attended my first concert so I have to admit that I am no concert authority. However, this weekend I saw the best concert. Ever.

The New York-based, Cincinnati natives "The National" returned to their estranged hometown last Friday night to play at 20th Century Theatre in Oakley. I also caught their performance the following night at The Basement in Columbus. The band is currently touring with their recently released 5th album Boxer. With each album the band adds another dimension to their richly layered sound, with vocalist Matt Berninger topping it all off beautifully. Boxer is certainly a change of pace from fast-paced rock tunes of Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers, but there is still plenty of rock left in Boxer's mellow ballads, even allowing room for Lit Up-like screaming vocals in songs such Squalor Victoria.

The concert was wonderful. They perform as beautiful live (if not more beautiful) than on record, if TheWhiteSessions are any proof. I couldn't help singing along, throwing my hands in the air, and screaming, even though I wanted to hear every chord, every pull of the violin. Matt is a true performer, finishing each song as if he is completely spent, like he has given his all to the music. You can't watch without feeling his anguish. It's easy to understand why he is exhausted, with performances like Baby We'll Be Fine, where the crowd is screaming along "I'm so sorry for everything." During an emotional Able, Matt climbed down the stage stairs and sang in a crowd of adoring fans.

The band members are true musicians and they are becoming true rock stars. Unlike most musicians with their talent, they are not cocky assholes, they are the most humble guys. I was introduced to guitarist/bassist Aaron Dessner after a performance. I have also met brother Bryce Dessner and unofficial band member Padma Newsome during the MusicNOW festival, which is Bryce's attempt to bring a variety of music back to his hometown. They are just your average guys.

During their hometown performance, Matt's mom was in front singing along with her son. Aaron sent out a hello to a friend, on whose porch the band first played together in front of an audience a few years back. The venue was absolutely beautiful. I wish I could say the same about the Columbus venue. The crowd was so large, and the room so small that I felt like a sardine, although a very happy one. I didn't mind having beers spilled on me and having people set on my toes because I was getting to see The National live. Again.

The National is a band close to my heart because my boyfriend first introduced them to me. In fact, two years ago as we were becoming friends I was invited to their concert. I regret having said no back then, because both The National and my boyfriend are amazing. I hear I missed out on an extraordinary show (he prefers that concert to both on this tour).

At the Columbus show, my boyfriend was taking photographs and a member of the band's crew asked if he would mind sharing his photos with the band. They have been in contact since then, and according to him The National will be back in town in this fall. I can hardly wait. And I can hardly wait for the next album, I have no idea what it will hold in store, but it will be worth waiting for.

They were worth sitting through Sizes and Shapes not once, but twice for.

songs performed from Cherry Tree: Wasp Nest All the Wine About Today

songs performed from Alligator: Secret Meeting Karen Lit Up Daughters of the Soho Riots Baby, We'll be Fine Abel The Geese of Beverly Road Mr. November

songs performed from Boxer: Fake Empire Mistaken for Strangers Brainy Squalor Victoria Slow Show Apartment Story Start a War Racing Like a Pro Ada Gospel

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