On May 22, 2009, The National performed at the Metropolis in Montreal, just a couple of days after releasing their critically acclaimed album *Boxer* in 2007. By the time of this live recording, the band was riding the wave of success that came from *Boxer*, solidifying their place in the indie rock scene. Interestingly, this album featured notable tracks like "Fake Empire" and "Mistaken for Strangers," which have become staples in their live performances. Fans often describe the band's live shows as intense and immersive experiences, partly due to Matt Berninger's distinctive baritone voice paired with the band's lush instrumentation. The Montreal concert, although described as a bit short, still captured that unique energy that The National is known for, making such a moment memorable not just for the audience but also for the band as they continued to build momentum towards future projects. It’s fascinating to see how live performances can encapsulate a band’s evolution, don’t you think?