The National Bring Humor to Treasure Island Fest

"I look awesome on that thing," the National's lead singer Matt Berninger said, looking at himself on the big screen at the Treasure Island Fest in San Francisco on Sunday night.

Guitarist Aaron Dessner then introduced the song 'Slow Show' by joking, "This is a song people play at their weddings and it's mostly about Matt's d---." Berninger retorted, "No, a small part of it is about my d---."

The National's ironic patter showed that they're far from the sad-guy rock band their songs portray, and their 13-song set showed that they're far from the low-key perfectly polished studio band their albums suggest. Whether it was Berninger wandering the stage as if he'd forgotten his keys or the occasional out-of-tune guitar string, the National's live imperfections made their songs feel more urgent, more soulful, and yes, even sadder.

"I told my friends not to worry!" Berninger screamed in key on 'Anyone's Ghost.' On the album, his baritone warble tells you not to worry. Live, one couldn't be so sure.