Groups such as Wilco and the Jayhawks helped introduce roots rock to a new audience during the 90s, and in the process, paved the way for future similarly styled outfits such as the National. The five-piece band is comprised of two sets of brothers, Bryce and Aaron Dessner (guitar and bass, respectively) plus Scott and Bryan Devendorf (guitar and drums, respectively), who are joined by Matt Berninger (the band's chief lyricist and vocalist). Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, it was not until the band relocated to New York City, that things began to fall into place. While building up a repertoire at jam sessions, the quintet decided to record an entire album before having played a single live gig. With the help of producer Nick Lloyd, the National completed 12 tracks, that were released in 2001 as The National, via the indie start up label, Brassland. Lloyd was also on hand to guide the band during sessions for their follow-up album, while co-producers, Peter Katis and Paul Heck, helped too. Recorded in several different studios (from Williamsburg to suburban Connecticut), Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers was issued in Europe during May 2003, but not until September in the USA. The album saw the band try new approaches with their music (the Clogs' Padma Newsome, a fellow Brassland recording artist, helped arrange string arrangements for several different compositions), although they were able to remain a rock band through the experimentation.
The National supported Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers with an extensive US tour during autumn 2003. They completed the Cherry Tree mini-album for Brassland before decamping to the larger Beggars Banquet Records label. Their debut for Beggars Banquet, Alligator, saw the quintet stretching out in the studio while still retaining the shimmering melodies that distinguished the previous albums.
