A National Experience

Working the REM concert a few weeks ago I was more interested in opening act the National than either REM (love em) or the Mouse (not so good live if you have not experienced). I've been a fan since Mr. November crossed my Ipod last year. Since I have siphoned in everything I can find and have read amazing things about the band live. I was lucky enough to catch half the short set and was especially blown away by the live version of Fake Empire, which is duly represented on the just released Virginia EP. It has been a long time since I was tripped up by four dudes just playing music - complete with a horn section. But even though the audience was sparse, the band gave it all. The music can range from the simple as on this track to the more amplified Mistaken For Strangers or previously mentioned Mr. Nov. Stylistically, it is sparse, basic rock, a touch of Wilco mixed with some REM and a little Spoon simplicity. The keys fill in some tracks, but is melodic and not rough, yet not soothing or lame. Check out Slow Show and Start a War for more examples and let me know what you think. RMS