What's the difference between a sold-out Shins show and a sold-out MGMT show?
Answer: The floor isn't nearly as beer-soaked when James Mercer and company are performing, although there are just as many strangers squeezing up against you. No that I'm complaining, because the more shows the National sells out, the more attractive this market will seem to touring bands.
So, no, it's not about the squeezing.
Despite dire warnings from people who'd seen the Shins years ago, their performance was not dull or studio-like. Perhaps over the years the band has gotten more comfortable with the audience adulation since the movie "Garden State" propelled them into the spotlight.
A ridiculous;y large portion of the audience knew every word, even to the older songs, and didn't hesitate to sing along.
The band included two covers, one of an obscure Beach Boys song from 1964 and finally Neil Young's "Helpless." As one who has heard Young sing the original, I had to give the band props for an excellent cover of this 70s gem. It made a fitting close to an evening of superb musicianship (I always enjoy seeing band members trade instruments), the most impressive of which was Mercer's voice.
New Slang anyone?
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