Twenty years on from the release of their self-titled debut album, The National are reissuing it along with 2003’s follow-up Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers and 2004’s Cherry Tree EP today.
+ You can buy all the albums on CD + vinyl here +
With all three records having been remastered at Abbey Road Studios, the 2021 represses stay faithful to their original artwork while their stunning new masters help make these much-loved records sound as vital as ever, further emphasising the early signs of the sound that would go on to make them one of the finest and most beloved alternative bands of their generation.
The National
Originally Released July 2, 2001
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021, The National’s self-titled debut album of sozzled Americana is a thing of beauty, laden with heavy hints that this was a special band in the making.Their first release, The National arrived two years after The National formed, a time when they were juggling bandlife with needing to hold down full-time jobs. And while nods to the alt. rock artists that inspired them (Pavement, Silver Jews) can be heard, so too are the beginnings of something all their own –Matt Berninger’s stunning and unexpected lyrics being pinned to melodies that stop you in your tracks.The National marks the start point for one of the best bands of their generation with its new master helping elevate it to new levels. A great primer to a great band.
A1. Beautiful Head
A2. Cold Girl Fever
A3. The Perfect Song
A4. American Mary
A5. Son
A6. Pay For Me
B1. Bitters & Absolut
B2. John’s Star
B3. Watching You Well
B4. Theory Of The Crows
B5. 29 Years
B6. Anna Freud
Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers
Originally Released September 1,2003
The National’s second album, Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers (2003) proved a leap forward from 2001’s eponymous debut, showing a band adept at delivering warm embraces and gutpunches in equal measure. With word of mouth now spreading on the band, critics proved equally enthusiastic. Pitchfork in their glowing review called it a “Gorgeous train wreck” that “Lives up to its blunt title (with) Matt Berninger’s self-effacing barbs matched by the band’s equally potent hooks,” while Uncut also became early champions saying the album was “A genuine treasure… Livid as a bruise, this is brave, desperate, beautiful music.” No longer a secret among those that know, Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers is an important record in The National’s discography with this new remaster showing that it’s more than standing the test of time.
A1. Cardinal Song
A2. Slipping Husband
A3. 90-Mile Water Wall
A4. It Never Happened
A5. Murder Me Rachael
A6. Pay For Me
B1. Thirsty
B2. Available
B3. Sugar Wife
B4. Trophy Wife
B5. Fashion Coat
B6. Patterns Of Fairytales
B7. Lucky You
Cherry Tree EP
Originally Released July 19, 2004
Released a year before The National broke through with their third album Alligator, 2004’s Cherry Tree EP is a thrilling record which -thanks to its collection of delicate ballads and anthemic crowd-pleasers -sums up what they do best in under 30 minutes. Now a firm fan-favourite, among Cherry Tree’s seven tracks are now National classics ‘About Today’ and ‘All The Wine’, plus a thrilling live version of ‘Murder Me Rachael’ that reminds of the band’s fearsome early live performances.
Cherry Tree can be seen as the record that marks the moment when The National had truly found themselves, a bridge from what went before to a band ready to conquer the World. And with this new master, it’s never sounded better too.
A1. Wasp Nest
A2. All The Wine
A3. All Dolled-Up In Straps
A4. Cherry Tree
B1. About Today
B2. Murder Me Rachael (Live)
B3. A Reasonable Man (I Don’t Mind)