My good man, have you heard the big news? The National, those dignified merchants of melancholy, are preparing for themselves for their latest venture: a tour of these United States. Surely, you’ve heard of The National, who hail from Brooklyn, and their riotous 2010 album High Violet (TMT Review) on 4AD. Why, it appeared in all the journals! No matter, you shall soon have the chance to educate yourself once they lay anchor in your town. Of course, this is assuming that you live in either a select few East Coast cities or Hollywood, where celluloid dreams are made. If you do not reside in such areas, well. That is a pity.
My mother, god rest her bones, always said the elite keep exclusive company with the elite. Dear mother, your wisdom lives long (even as your body rots), for The National are keeping only the finest company on this forthcoming trip. On their East Coast dates, the group shall be joined by indie rock institution Yo La Tengo (yes, it does seem peculiar to consider them as an opening band), as well as talented young guns Wye Oak. But, dear friend, do not think for a second that just any riffraff will accompany The National on their Hollywood date. Before they play under the iconic Hollywood sign (or somewhere in the general vicinity), the stage will be graced by two of the greatest ladies in the songwriting game: Neko Case and Sharon Van Etten. My Lord, it shall truly be a spectacle to behold.
The National dates:
09.06.11 - Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion *
09.07.11 - Philadelphia, PA - Academy of Music *
09.08.11 - Philadelphia, PA - Academy of Music *
09.09.11 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion
09.11.11 - Hollywood, CA - Hollywood Bowl (presented by LA Philharmonic) #
* Yo La Tengo, Wye Oak
# Neko Case, Sharon Van Etten
• The National: http://www.americanmary.com
• 4AD: http://www.4ad.com
• Yo La Tengo: http://www.yolatengo.com
• Wye Oak: http://www.wyeoakmusic.com
• Neko Case: http://www.nekocase.com
• Sharon Van Etten: http://sharonvanetten.com