(G) Clap Your Hands Say Yeah/The National @ Troubadour (Oct. 6) Grade: B+
Hype can be a dirty four-letter word. If you have been following the news on this tour, folks have been arriving for CYHSY and leaving before the National hit the stage. The same thing happened in L.A. Too bad for those who left early because The National put on a really solid set. You wouldn’t think listening to their albums, but those who cut out early should rethink missing them again. And at the very least, give each New York band a chance. CYHSY were good but a tad underwhelming.

(G) Idlewild @ El Rey (Oct. 7), @ Casbah (Oct. 8), @ Fingerprints (Oct. 10) Grade: A
Okay, I might seem a bit obsessed, but it would be far worse if I also flew up to SF to see them on Wednesday IMHO. Anyhow, Idlewild has the great ability to perform outstanding live sets plugged in and acoustic. El Rey was a wee sad since it was obviously less filled than their last performance there two years ago (I blame Capitol), but the band was ace nonetheless. Casbah was far better though because it is a much smaller venue (comparable to Silverlake Lounge) and more intimate. Plus, they added to the set list “A Film for the Future” from Hope is Important, back when Idlewild could be classified punk rock. Fingerprints was intimate as well and the newer tracks translate well in an acoustic setting. Inara George was the tour opener and she has a sweet and innocent voice, reminding me of a female Sondre Lerche in achieving that same dreamy pop folk.