The National Announce Reissues Of Early Catalogue (out 26 February 2021)
The National Announce Reissues Of Early Catalogue (out 26 February 2021)
Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers
Cherry Tree EP
The National’s Early Catalogue Remastered & Reissued
Out 26 February 2021
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 on 26 February 2021. 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 – The NationalOriginally released 2 July 2001 CD (4AD0312CD) | LP (Black Vinyl – 4AD0312LP) | Digital (4AD0312)
1. / A1. Beautiful Head2. / A2. Cold Girl Fever 3. / A3. The Perfect Song4. / A4. American Mary5. / A5. Son6. / A6. Pay For Me7. / B1. Bitters & Absolut8. / B2. John’s Star9. / B3. Watching You Well10. / B4. Theory Of The Crows11. / B5. 29 Years12. / B6. Anna Freud
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021, The National’s self-titled 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 nodes 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
. The National – Sad Songs For Dirty LoversOriginally released 1 September 2003CD (4AD0313CD) | LP (Black Vinyl – 4AD0313LP) | Digital (4AD0313)
1. / A1. Cardinal Song2. / A2. Slipping Husband3. / A3. 90-Mile Water Well4. / A4. It Never Happened5. / A5. Murder Me Rachael6. / B1. Thirsty7. / B2. Available8. / B3. Sugar Wife9. / B4. Trophy Wife10. / B5. Fashion Coat11. / B6. Patterns Of Fairytales12. / B7. Lucky You
The National’s second album, Sad Song For Dirty Lovers proved a leap forward from 2001’s eponymous debut, showing a band adept at delivering warm embraces and gut punches 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 magazine 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
.The National – Cherry Tree EP
Originally released 19 July 2004
CD (4AD0314CD) | LP (Black Vinyl – 4AD0314LP) | Digital (4AD0314)
1. / A1. Wasp Nest2. / A2. All The Wine3. / A3. All Dolled-Up In Straps4. / A4. Cherry Tree5. / B1. About Today6. / B2. Murder Me Rachael (Live)7. / B3. Reasonable Man (I Don’t Mind)
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 anthems 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.The National photographed by Graham MacIndoe(2001)
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