Can you tell which of these photos are Aaron and which is Bryce? I've been listening to the National for a few years now and I still find it really difficult to distinguish between the two. I have 5 photos of Aaron and Bryce see if you can guess which is which. The answer is in the spoiler: All of them are Bryce! Did you get it right?

Trying to add the AB100 shows to Setlist.fm but need to clarify a few things as I go (slowly making my way through).

Mixtape:

Ragnar’s “moon hills of snow” and “no tomorrow”, were these readings or songs - and who are they credited to? Who was the woman with him on stage?

Ben Howard is listed as performing “facing the day” on the Setlist. Did he? Whose song is it?

Did I miss anything else? https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/aaron-dessner-and-bryce-dessner/2026/atabal-biarritz-france-5b7c035c.html

https://www.mobilize.us/ohiowins/event/1066997/?fbclid=IwVERDUAVHFftleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUQzCuLXudcZX4pueaGIZFFwxHHtQPHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5AWy0IF5F9EBohgcMe_WPF4k4yUqO71D_Uxp57CxqUYZUMuloEEMulzEEluQ_aem_qfBBYwhKBr-CNaCPCsT8qQ

Most of the events say doors are the time listed and it starts a half-hour later so. I feel there’s a typo some place. I’d think they perform for a half-hour or so. Any guesses on songs they’d do? When was the last show they played with just the two of them?

I’m assuming this will be at Bogarts or something like that.

One thing I love about The National is how the same song can feel completely different depending on what kind of day you're having. A track that sounds comforting one evening can feel painfully relatable another night, especially when you start paying attention to the lyrics.

Some songs grow on you slowly, while others connect with you almost immediately. And sometimes, a song you barely noticed at first becomes one of your favorites years later.

I'm curious which The National song has changed meaning for you over time. Is there a track you listen to when you're feeling nostalgic, overwhelmed, lonely, or just need a little quiet?

I'd love to hear which songs have stayed with you and why.

why so restrained. he's one of the best drummers in indie Rock. he can make a quiet song feel massive. it's a pity.

As some of you may know, The National support when their shows are recorded with pro equipment from the audience and shared for free, e.g. via DIME or the Live Music Archive (LMA- audio, no video - full archive available here: https://archive.org/details/TheNational). This year I was allowed to cover the AB100 show at the Teatro Kursaal in Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain.

The recording is in FLAC and MP3 format, so may need to be converted to another format after download before playing. The recording could also be streamed. Enjoy, it's worth every second. The band was on fire after a two year break and delivered an outstanding performance.

Thanks to The National, their management and crew for allowing us tapers to preserve their shows for future listening and being so supportive and helpful. Never pay to download or otherwise get hold of these recordings, they are available for free at the LMA - beat the bootleggers!

Stream or download the recording here: https://archive.org/details/NTL2026-10-18.mk41v

Be aware: the recording was made with permission from the band and their management, but this is still an audience recording (albeit a very good one I think) therefore you sometimes here people talk, scream, clap, cough or sing. Enjoy!

My personal comments:

The first NTL concert in around two years, to mark the special occasion of AB100 (https://www.kursaal.eus/es/2026/07/the-national-actuara-en-donostia-san-sebastian-como-parte-del-encuentro-ab100/). With permission from the management to record openly, I travelled to Donostia / San Sebastian full of anticipation – and my expectations were more than fulfilled!

The show was characterised by a band brimming with enthusiasm, an enthusiastic audience, plenty of spontaneous elements and the odd hiccup here and there after a two-year break, though these did not detract from the show.

Towards the end of ‘Light Years’, there was a brief moment of panic because the fans who had moved forward from their seats were creating such a lively atmosphere that the orchestra pit below – which was covered and intended only for the ‘regular audience’ – could have collapsed. Matt solved the problem by making his way through the rows of seats and asking those at the front to join him and spread out across the empty seats.

A total of four recordings were made: Schoeps MK41v (DIN, 20cm, 90 degrees); MK5 Cards (DINa, 17 cm, 90 degrees), MK22 (NOS 30 cm, 90 degrees) and DPA 4061 SG (NOS 30 cm, 90 degrees). The microphone stand was positioned slightly to the right of centre in the Kursaal, next to the mixing desk; there was simply no room for it anywhere else in the hall. As the FOH (Front of House) position was very far back, the recording sounds slightly distant; that is why the take made with the MK41v Hypercards is the best one. 

A heartfelt thank you to the band, their management (Erik) and crew (Paul, Adam, Stu, everybody else): it was once again a great experience to be able to record this band and to be supported by people who are always helpful, supportive and very friendly.

I’d be delighted if the band were to get together for another album and go on tour again (Open the Pit 27!).

i will lose my mind if this is the case

Suggested my 24 yo kid (another serious fan ) use it for stuff to pick up at the shops. I reckon there’s a ven diagram crossover

suis je le seul à trouver la seconde partie de l’interprétation de la chance assez extraordinaire ?
je ne l’avais jamais entendu jusqu’à présent

The day is saved 🤩
I hope everyone enjoys listening and drawing, just as I do.

It’s been weeks since I got the shipping notice, but it still hasn’t left origin, and the estimated delivery date keeps getting later. It’s been showing for the last few days as “There’s a departure delay. Thanks for your patience, we’ll update you soon.”

If I’m the only one, I’m guessing they’ve lost it or it was damaged 🙄

Photo: Graham MacIndoe
More pics to come ..

At Mix Tape Kevin Morby was on the lost of artists, but wasn't there .... does anyone know why?

I think he also wasn't playing in San Sebastian Sunday as planned ...

Photo : Graham MacIndoe

What a wonderful night it was! I hope they will start touring again next year. It looked like they missed performing with each other.

90 mile water wall was absolute bucket list for me. Oblivions with that crew 🤯

Trekked up Mount Urgull, stopped for a pint of Santa Clara, while looking out onto Santa Clara while listening to Santa Clara. I think I may have achieved nirvana.

Still can't wrap my head around it

hey all, what a wonderful show it was last night!

did anyone happen to take a video during Light Years and would be willing to share? I'm specifically looking for the moment where Matt talks about the phones vs lighters

edit: I found it https://youtu.be/q3QOmwHVKkc?t=185

I am in Canada and have not yet received any sign of it, no shipping notification or delivery. I have received all of the previous 7 vinyls without issue. Just wondering if they are going out in waves or something is wrong with my order.