The National - Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers

Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers is the second studio album by American indie rock band The National, originally released in September 2003 via Brassland Records.

The National, for those who are just coming in, is comprised of two sets of brothers - Bryce and Aaron Dessner, Scott and Bryan Devendorf - and Matt Berninger (plus shadow member Padma Newsom).

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 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 album has been remastered at Abbey Road Studios.

This album is a 2021 reissue on black vinyl with a printed inner sleeve and remastered audio, pressed in Europe via 4AD Records.