Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers (2002)

Tweede album. "For a band that's been compared to Joy Division, Leonard Cohen, Wilco, and Nick Cave, the National sure sounds a lot more like the Czars or Uncle Tupelo on this second album. Where the band might lack Joy Division's angular fury, Cohen's existentialism, and Cave's vampiric attack, vocalist Matt Berninger and company whip up a murky alt country meets chamber pop vibe that's quite potent. The five-piece mostly keeps things on the country side of the fence during the album's first half, as slide guitars and fiddles overpower just about any hint of rock styling except the drumbeat, occasional feedback, and some screeching guitar freak-outs. Toward the album's close, the songs' textures finally shift from country to indie rock. Berninger is more than content to roam pastures featuring small patches of emo, sadcore, and artsy strings, clearly wearing his influences on his sleeve. The National might not be masters of any genre, but create a fine amalgam nonetheless." (Tim DiGravina, AllMusic)