The National - The National

The understated, Americana-tinged origin story of an indie-rock titan.

Before they were headlining arenas, The National were five friends in Brooklyn juggling full-time office jobs with a shared vision of moody, literary rock. Their 2001 self-titled debut is a beautiful document of that era—a collection of "sozzled Americana" that carries the heavy DNA of what the band would eventually become. While the influence of alt-rock icons like Pavement and Silver Jews is woven into the record's fabric, the album is undeniably the start of something unique. It features the first glimpses of Matt Berninger’s signature baritone and surreal, devastating lyricism pinned to melodies that possess a quiet, stop-you-in-your-tracks power.

This newly mastered edition breathes fresh life into these formative tracks, elevating the production to a level that matches the band's peerless later catalog. From the dusty, sun-bleached atmosphere of "Beautiful Head" to the alt-country yearning of "Theory of the Crows," the remastering highlights the subtle intricacies of a band already proving they were a "special band in the making." Whether you are a longtime devotee or a newcomer looking for the perfect primer, this version of The National is an essential look at the starting point for one of the most influential bands of their generation.