The National - 2021 Remaster Vinyl LP (Black)

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. 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.

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 band life 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.

Side A
01)  Beautiful Head
02)  Cold Girl Fever
03)  The Perfect Song
04)  American Mary
05)  Son
06)  Pay for Me
Side B
01)  Bitters and Absolut
02)  John's Star
03)  Watching You Well
04)  Theory of the Crowns
05)  29 Years
06)  Anna Freud