National - Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers

by Jon Rogers

published: 30 / 12 / 2003

Label: Talitres
Format: CD

First-rate emotionally intensive new album from New York quintet the National, which draws comparision with Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Nick Cave

Review

While the more fickle elements of the music industry praise all and sundry US guitar slingers that have a fixation with New York's new wave, the National have plumped for beautiful songs, intelligent lyrics and a high level of emotional intensity on their second album 'Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers'. And it's an accomplished work, taking in a complexity of feelings. It plumbs the bare, despondent depths of early Leonard Cohen, luxuriates in the seedy bar rooms previously the domain of Tom Waits and even manages to pick up on the twisted love songs of Nick Cave. 'Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers' is, basically, quite a find. And they know how to throw a few punches too. Underneath the mangled guitar on 'Murder Me Rachel' lies some harsh lyrics about some "pretty boy" which are laced with venom. Most of the album though is more contemplative and relaxed but just as bittersweet. The opener 'Cardinal Song' glides effortlessly along with vocalist Matt Beminger almost crooning along to his tale of doomed relationships and heartache. '90-Mile Water Fall' gets all folky(ish) and despondent as if Johnny Cash had started writing songs for Mark Eitzel. If there was any real integrity in the music industry then the National should be shouted about from the rooftops. Unfortunately, instead, this American quintet may have to be content with an unfailing adoration that only reaches the bounds of cult status and then becomes forgotten about until someone, in years to come, decides to re-release it to wide applause. Don't let it happen.

Track Listing:-

1 Cardinal Song
2 Slipping Husband
3 90-Mile Water Wall
4 It Never Happened
5 Murder Me Rachael
6 Thirsty
7 Available
8 Sugar Wife
9 Trophy Wife
10 Fashion Coat
11 Patterns of Fairytales
12 Lucky You

Band Links:-

https://www.americanmary.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thenationalof
https://twitter.com/TheNational

Label Links:-

http://www.talitres.com/en/
https://www.facebook.com/talitres.rds
https://twitter.com/talitres
https://instagram.com/talitres/

Have a Listen:-

Interviews

Interview (2007)

One of the most acclaimed of the indie scene, the National return at the end of May with their fourth album, 'The Boxer'. Guitarist Aaron Dessner talks to Ben Howarth about the band's development over the last five years and why the new album is a step up for them

Interview (2004)

Live Reviews

Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, 1/7/2008

Helen Tipping is impressed by both the accessibility and stateliness of Americana band the National's unique brand of indie rock at a show at the Metropolitan University in Leeds

Academy, Manchester, 10/11/2007

Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, 11/7/2007

Koko, London, 31/5/2006

Favourite Albums

A Skin, A Night (2008)

Ben Howarth looks at 'A Skin. A Night', alt rock band the National's new film and EP package, but, despite it arriving hot on the heels of their high regarded 'Boxer' album, is unconvinced by it.