... to the reputation that precedes them. The band The National, that is, Saturday night at the 400. Anybody else go?

I'd read that vocalist Matt Berninger possessed one of the most tightly-wound, intense stage presences around at the moment, and I'd have to agree. You'd have thought the guy was either going to break down and cry, or pick up the mic stand and start clubbing unsuspecting audience members over the head, at any moment. Apparently he did manage to break his mic by the end of the show -- I'd swear it came about by simply him squeezing the dang thing too hard. Sheesh.

By the way, if anybody out there happens to be a personal acquaintance of the guy who was repeatedly screaming for "Free Bird" ... can the rest of us help you talk him into moving to some warmer climes? Like, you know, where they actually enjoy honoring that request? I'm sure he'd be right at home.