
A few short hours ago, the most consistent band in indie rock ‘n’ roll, the National, who will soon perform at a 19,000-seat arena in downtown Brooklyn, played a surprise set at a bar that doubles as a flower shop. The occasion: the group released their sixth album, Trouble Will Find Me, today, and they’re making the rounds of New York City, stopping at small venues as an early thank you to fans for having Trouble almost assuredly debut in the Billboard top-10. I was at the Ditmas Park-based Sycamore show, because I live in the area and don’t mind showing up at public settings with unwashed hair, an oversized shirt, and a demeanor that screams, “Sure, I drink wine at 12 p.m. on a Tuesday.” I wasn’t alone, and the response to the National was quietly rapturous.
Read the rest of this entry »