When we went to see Frog Eyes, we noticed another upcoming show was sold out.  The band was The National.  Andrew had read some stuff about them being the next big thing.  We got curious, and after listening to snippets of their songs on eMusic we bought four of their albums.  So far, my favorite is Boxer, the newest album.  I can barely tear myself away from it to listen to the other albums, but I did hear them each once and they were just as awesome.

The National is how I wish Interpol had been.  Interpol totally tricked me.  I heard NYC and lost my mind - I was smitten.  Interpol's first album wasn't *that* bad lyrically, but the second album made me want to strangle him.  Interpol's lyric suck so bad that I can't even listen to their second album, which is sad because I love the music.  Same with Bloc Party.  I can listen to their first album, but that second one the lyrics just grate on my ears.  The Bloc Party's second album is totally DuranDurantastic, too - which I think is a good thing.

All of that to say:  The National's lyrics are AMAZING.  His voice is gentle, deep, and seductive.  He reminds me a lot of the Tindersticks singer.  Here are some of the lyrics I like on Boxer:

oh you wouldn’t want an angel watching over
surprise, surprise they wouldn’t wannna watch
another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults
(MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS)

Ada don’t talk about reasons why you don’t want to talk about reasons
why you don’t wanna talk
(ADA)

Fifteen blue shirts and womanly hands
you’re shooting up the ladder
(RACING LIKE A PRO)

Since the Philly show was sold out, we thought about driving to DC, but that show was sold out, too.  What?! I guess we're behind the curve on this one. :)  We'll be the first in line next time.  They are amazing.

[photo taken 6/30/2007 in Philadelphia]

[title from the lyrics of "Fake Empire" by The National from "Boxer"]