The National in St. Louis

I discovered The National back when I was in college and High Violet had dropped. Immediately, this record spoke to me. Songs like “Lemonworld,” “Afraid of Everyone,” “Bloodbuzz Ohio,” “Runaway,” and “Anyone’s Ghost” gave me some kind of sad, weird comfort. As someone dealing heavily with depression and anxiety, there was a kind of honest truth in these songs that just soothed me.

I immediately hit up the other records from The National. Boxer was the first vinyl I purchased. “Fake Empire” was one of your wedding songs.

The National, in many ways, was like a friend—their music checking in on me and supporting me when I needed it.

I’ve remained a devout fan. Even now, I walk around my house singing “Light Years” and “I Need My Girl” so often that my poor wife sighs and leaves the room. With love, of course.

This weekend, we went to St. Louis to see them. It was our first time to get to do so. Timing and place has always kept me from their shows.

I’m so grateful that everything finally lined up with this tour because it was absolute perfection. The set list couldn’t have been better even if I’d written one out myself. And it being outdoors made it even more spectacular. There’s nothing like an outside show (except for one at the Ryman, maybe).

There were so many moments that I want to hold right to. Matt channeled the growling, yelling spirit of “Abel” as he and the band performed “Graceless” and “Mr. November.” Closing out the night with “About Today” was a beautiful way to end the set. In that same way, “Don’t Swallow the Cap” should just be the go-to opener for forever as far as I’m concerned. (Indigo Sparke was a very engaging opener, as well. Looking forward to her new record.)

Having this kind of moment is rare in life. I’ll never forget this show. Truly.

***

The rest of St. Louis was nice, too. Although we’ve been by the Arch several times, we finally stopped and went to the Gateway Arch National Park. We also hit up Left Bank Books and bought a lot of books, and we visited the Missouri Baking Company, which has the best cannolis I’ve ever tasted. Good times.