The National - 9:30 Club (5/25/09)

It seems like the National has been touring for over three years without many breaks. While I’m loving it because it’s given me the opportunity to see them three times, it has to take its toll on the band. They were initially scheduled at the 9:30 for two shows over as many nights, but after both shows sold out in no time, they added a late show to the first night. I had a ticket to see them on the second night… would they have anything left in the tank by the time they got to their third show in two days?

Silly me for questioning these guys. Accompanied by a three-piece horns section and keyboardist, they ripped through all parts of their catalog for over an hour and a half. Lead singer, Matt Berninger was even more engaging with the crowd than I remembered. They even broke out a few new songs - "Vanderlylle," "Blood Buzz" and kicked the night off with "Runaway" (see below - thanks to I am Fuel). It's hard to describe the intensity and sincerity they bring to their shows... it's just something you have to experience.

This week's late night TV lineup

Craig Ferguson

• Wednesday - Amy Smart

Jay Leno

• Thursday - Prince
• Friday - James Taylor

Carson Daly

• Tuesday - The Virgins
• Wednesday - Doves
• Thursday - Methodman & Redman
• Friday - Wale

David Letterman

• Wedneday - The Dead
• Thursday - The Killers

This week's late night TV lineup

Jimmy Kimmel

• Monday - Franz Ferdinand
• Wednesday - No Doubt
• Thursday - Busta Rhymes

Dave Letterman

• Monday - White Rabbits
• Wednesday - Grizzly Bear
• Friday - Green Day

Craig Ferguson

• Friday - The Decemberists

Jay Leno

• Friday - Tori Amos

Jimmy Fallon

• Monday - Method Man & Redman
• Tuesday - Iron & Wine

Carson Daly

• Monday - Crystal Antlers
• Tuesday - Keane
• Thursday - The Kills
• Friday - Glasvegas

And some more new music

• Pearl Jam, "The Golden State" and "Santa Cruz," 2008 Christmas Single (just mailed out to PJ Ten Club members), I am Fuel
• Green Day, 21 Century Breakdown stream (May 15th) here, here and here.

New music

• Stream Wilco (the Album), out Jun 30th, Metro D
• White Rabbits, "Percussion Gun," It's Frightening (May 19th), I am Fuel
• The National, "England" and "Vanderlylle Cry Baby," from the Dark Was the Night Benefit Show via I am Fuel
• stellastar*, "Graffiti Eyes" and "Warchild," Civilized (July 7th), Ultra8201

This week's late night TV lineup

SNL - Green Day

David Letterman

• Monday - The Killers
• Friday - Mastodon

Craig Ferguson

• Tuesday - Jenny Lewis

Jay Leno

• Thursday - The Decemberists
• Friday - Kings of Leon

Carson Daly

• Monday - Ben Harper & Relentless7
• Tuesday - Cold War Kids
• Wednesday - Brett Dennen
• Friday - Friendly Fires

Jimmy Fallon

• Tuesday - The Lonely Island

This week's late night TV lineup

Jimmy Kimmel

• Monday - The Whips
• Friday - Scott Weiland

Craig Ferguson

• Tuesday - Jenny Lewis

David Letterman

• Tuesday - Franz Ferdinand
• Wednesday - Ben Harper and Relentless7
• Thursday - Animal Collective

Jay Leno

• Tuesday - Robert Randolph & The Clark Sisters

Jimmy Fallon

• Monday - Adele
• Wednesday - The National
• Thursday - Ben Harper and the Relentless 7

Carson Daly

• Monday - Lykke Li
• Thursday - Black Kids
• Friday - Ida Maria

One for One

This company was profiled on an AT&T commercial I saw this morning...

One for One is the mantra of TOMS Shoes. From their website:

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about.

I have no idea how these shoes hold up, but they sure do look comfortable. And the fact that you're helping to put shoes on a kid's feet is pretty damn cool too.