Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021,The National’s self-titled debut album ofsozzled Americana is a thing of beauty,laden with heavy hints that this wasa special band in the making.

Their fi rst release, The National arrived twoyears after The National formed, a timewhen they were juggling bandlife withneeding to hold down full-time jobs. Andwhile nods to the alt.rock artists that inspiredthem (Pavement, Silver Jews) can be heard,so too are the beginnings of something alltheir own – Matt Berninger’s stunning andunexpected lyrics being pinned to melodiesthat stop you in your tracks.

The National marks the start point for one ofthe best bands of their generation with itsnew master helping elevate it to new levels.A great primer to a great band.

• 1. Beautiful Head
• 2. Cold Girl Fever
• 3. The Perfect Song
• 4. American Mary
• 5. Son
• 6. Pay For Me
• 7. Bitters & Absolut
• 8. John's Star
• 9. Watching You Well
• 10. Theory of the Crows
• 11. 29 Years
• 12. Anna Freud