Pitchfork

I've heard from reliable-source friends that the National somehow blazed both R.E.M. and Modest Mouse off the stage when all three bands toured together last year. It's not that tough to imagine. For years now, the National have basically been an arena band, albeit one that hasn't yet gotten the opportunity to play arenas. Every time I see the band play a club, it feels like it'll be the last time. When Matt Berninger booms out that ridiculously huge "Mr. November" chorus, arms outstretched and head thrown back, he should really see a few thousand lighters raised up to meet him.

All of which is to say that the National will play a few club shows this coming May, and you should go see them while you still have the chance.

In other National-related news, guitarist Bryce Dessner curated the Music Now Festival, an experimental music affair that will go down March 11-12 at Cincinnati's Memorial Hall Theater. As we reported earlier today, the fest will include the Kronos Quartet playing an original piece from Battles' Tyondai Braxton. Also, Bryce Dessner and his twin brother, National bassist Aaron, produced the forthcoming Red Hot benefit compilation Dark Was the Night, which includes basically every big indie rock band in the universe. 4AD will release it in Europe on February 16 and North America on February 17.

National dates:

03-08 St. Augustine, FL - Harvest of Hope Festival
05-21 Toronto, Ontario - Kool Haus
05-22 Montreal, Quebec - Metropolis
05-23 Boston, MA - House of Blues
05-24 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
05-25 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
05-27 Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
05-28 Raleigh, NC - Maymendi Concert Hall
05-29 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory