The last time The National were at the Troubadour, they played with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Richard Swift. It was my favorite show of last year. The only downside was that after CYHSY played, a good chunk of the crowd didn’t return from their smoke break. I realized that CYHSY had built up a large buzz, I guess I just had a little more faith in LA. That night I found myself with both hands gripped on the stage, headbanging to The National.
My hopes were high this time around after already being impressed once. The show had been sold out for a while and it was nice to know that a majority of the people in attendance were there to see THEM this time. Alligator, their latest release on Beggars Banquet is filled with songs that could all be singles if they were put in their right place. They’re strong enough on their own and when they bring out the whole repertoire, it makes for a great performance. Even though Matt Berninger, the lead singer was sick and hopped up on Sudafed and white wine, he didn’t hold back one bit.
The best part about writing a review for this site is that, assuming I can track down the CD, I get to write it while listening to the band I’m reviewing and remember songs that especially rocked. “Abel” was definitely one of them. Whoo hoo, this is probably the fist time I’ve ever damnced and tyeped a rerview at the same time. WOW! Highly recommend that…. ummm…so…..they’re just a great band and I guess I’m a freak. I’ll blame it on the PBR tonight. Honestly, I can’t remember one song I wasn’t into. The highlight yet again was “Mr. November”. No headbanging this time around but a lot of movin and slidin’ in the back corner.
Talkdemonic was playing when we arrived and we were able to catch a few of their short and poignant songs. They definitely have a unique setting and when they’re able to stir up a catchy swirling number, they sound great. Before we arrived, Jeremiah and I had been talking about the increased popularity of computers on stage. I guess there are some very practical reasons for packing a laptop instead of more band members. If I close my eyes, I can’t really tell. When I’m staring at a computer it funks with my brain knowing that the freedom to mix things up is lost. Everyone on the tour is hearing that song in the same time with nearly the exact same tracks night after night.
Earlier in the night Jeremiah and I stopped by the Hotel Cafe to check out Alu. Our friend Eric at Global Inheritance had invited us, it sounded cool, and it was on our way. I was ready to throw down a few bucks when I saw the list in front of the door guy. Wasn’t planning on being on there but checked anyways. Neither Jeremiah or I were listed but I noticed “Ice Cream Man” as he set his clip board down. Thankfully Jeremiah had a sticker with him to prove we were legit. I think I’ll have to change my legal name to “Ice Cream Man” sometime in the near future and run for some sort of public office. Gimmicks work, don’t they? Arnie? Reagan?
Alu was playing as we arrived and we grabbed a drink and dug the band. They were very reminiscent of early Portishead and I especially dug the bass lines. One of the nice things about a place like the Hotel Cafe is that is has a very comfortable and intimate appeal and Alu fit the vibe perfectly.
After the set we ducked out and headed across the street to Big Wangs to get our manly fix. The two main things that keep me from ever becoming a vegetarian are chicken wings and bacon. Needless to say, it was a great night. I was even able to make it back to Long Beach without getting tired.
If you’re wondering where the ice cream was, Bessie wouldn’t start. I cleaned her all up for the night too, argh.
