Secret Meeting/Slow Show/Mistaken For Strangers/Abel/Start A War/Apartment Story/Squalor Victoria/Fake Empire/Mr. November/About Today

Don’t presume our failure to mention The National’s opening slot for the Arcade Fire last night at Radio City Music Hall as a sign of displeasure or tardiness on our part. In fact, they were just as much a reason for our attendance last night as our appreciation for Boxer grows with each passing listen. It’s no surprise we hold the band in high regard, I’d pay money for Matt Beringer to record my voice mail message I like the band so much.

Opening for a band like the Arcade Fire sets you up for an uphill battle as far as having the performance of the night. For those who went into the show unfamiliar with the group, the certainly left entertained and most likely fans. Focusing most of their set from their upcoming release the band already expanded/altered certain selections like the vocals at the end of “Squalor Victoria.”

Lead singer, Matt Beringer appeared to have injured his leg and performed the entire set with a very noticeable limp, but it’s didn’t impede the performance whatsoever. The group ended their set with a song called “About Today,” which we’re having trouble referencing. Anybody got the lowdown on that song?

Radio City Music Hall’s acoustic provided clear and decipherable lyrics and the band sounded as tight as I’ve seen them compared to the last three times. No doubt their show at the High Noon Saloon in Madison on June 9th will be a resounding success and will sell out soon. Don’t pass on your chance to pick up what in all likelihood will be our album of the year when Boxer is released on May 22nd.

Download: The National Black Sessions right here on MoB!

Pre-Order Boxer at Insound
Myspace: The National
MP3: The National – Fake Empire