The National and Modest Mouse at Walnut Creek

You may have thought we forgot or were just neglecting the opening acts for R.E.M. Tuesday night, but they are so big they deserve their own post.

The National started the show at the not so great time of 6:30 p.m. — made worse due to the fact that many did not realize the start time had changed from 7:30. The band played a great set to a small crowd. The band's music is definitely not suited for daylight or a big amphitheatre of apathetic concert goers, but whether they were appreciated or not, the band played a phenomenal set.

Here's The National's set list:
Start a War
Brainy
Baby, We'll Be Fine
Slow Show
Mistaken for Strangers
Squalor Victoria
Racing Like a Pro
Apartment Story
Fake Empire
Mr. November



Modest Mouse took the stage next, with Johnny Marr of The Smiths in tow which is still an unreal pairing. The band played an energetic set, which notably didn't include the band's 2004 hit "Float On," but like many bands with hit songs, I'm sure they're sick of it by now.

Here's Modest Mouse's setlist (thanks to Amanda):
King Rat
Paper Thin Walls
Dashboard
Education
Here It Comes
Doin' The Cockroach
Trailer Trash
Tiny Cities Made Of Ashes
The Good Times Are Killing Me
The View
Satin In A Coffin



[photos by Amanda Parrish]