The National [rank: 38] based on users subscribed

"The National is an indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, founded in 1999 by friends (including two pairs of brothers) from Cincinnati, Ohio. Their first self-titled album was released in 2001 on Brassland, a label founded by two of those brothers, Aaron and Bryce Dessner, and their friend, writer Alec Hanley Bemis. The band had played few shows before the release of the album. Influences range from Tom Waits to U2. The band's morose, self-deprecating lyrics are written and sung by Matt Berninger in a distinctive, deep baritone. The band is rounded out by Scott & Bryan Devendorf. Padma Newsome, from sister band, Clogs, often contributes strings, keyboards, and other arrangements and instrumental flourishes.

The band's early gimmick was that the members had all given up good jobs to work on the project, however, this seems to have been dropped. Their album, Alligator, was #2 in Planet Sound's Top 50 albums of 2005, losing out to Bright Eyes, but beating the likes of The Magic Numbers, The Wrens, Elbow, Rilo Kiley, Malcolm Middleton, The Arcade Fire, My Morning Jacket and HARD-Fi. It also charted high in 'Album of the Year' charts in the LA Times, Insound, Uncut, and many other publications. One of their most well-known songs is 'Mr. November.'"

[reproduced or excerpted from the Wikipedia article "The National (band)" and its use is thus licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License]

Bandega Interview with Bryan Devendorf of The National (March 2008)

The National conquer the great fortress of Perpignan.

Q: How have your shows changed over the years? Has your perspective on performing live changed?
A: Probably the most significant developments in the live show have been increased confidence in and amongst the band, better playing and better songs. Lucky for us, our audience has grown in step with the band's development. My view has been to play well and not to worry about anything and just give over to the performance. As a drummer, I'm very choosy and I try to get everything right -- my setup, monitors, etc. -- and then go for it.

Q: Describe the most memorable live show you've played.
A: Once we played at the great fortress in Perpignan, guardian to the Pyrenean passes of Catalonia. Long ago, the area was a Spanish possession but now is part of France. Anyway, the setting put me in mind of the Grateful Dead at the pyramids or Pink Floyd with all the lights projected onto the old stone walls surrounding us.

Q: What venue do you consider to be your "home", where you feel most comfortable, with the crowd and the place itself?
A: My favorite venue is probably the Bowery Ballroom in New York. I don't know for sure but I believe we've played that room the most of any.

Q: Describe the most enjoyable show you've ever experienced as a fan.
A: Hmm. I don't know. Probably Lionel Richie and Tina Turner at the Cincinnati Coliseum circa 1984.

Q: Matt has spoken before about how songs mutate, as the band performs them over and over. Can you describe how this has happened? Have any songs ever become something completely different over time?
A: I think to keep it interesting we change stuff. Also, for me specifically, I'm never happy with my recorded parts so I'll try to make up for that by doing different things at the shows. The songs are basically the same but the inflections change.

Show Reviews for The National

Date & Venue	Reviewed by
May 30, 2008 - Greek Theatre	ira
Jun 27, 2007 - Bimbo's 365 Club	lexicon

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