National - Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers (Abbey Road Remaster)

The National's second album, 2003's Sad Songs 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 also became early champions saying the album was "a genuine treasure... livid as a bruise, this is brave, desperate, beautiful music."

This is the first album on which the band worked with Peter Katis, who would produce the band's next albums Alligator and Boxer. Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers is the first to feature guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Bryce Dessner (and twin-brother of Aaron Dessner) as a full member.

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. Remastered at Abbey Road Studios, this 2021 edition stays faithful to its original artwork while the stunning new master helps make it sound as vital as ever, further emphasizing 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.

Heavyweight vinyl produced by 4AD in 2021. Remastered by Christian Wright at Abbey Road Studios.