Name: Sleep Well Beast
Brand: The National

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

4AD0020LP

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

[r11078889]

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Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Standard Double White Vinyl in Gatefold Sleeve with Download and Poster.

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2017-10-16

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

191400002012

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Total Cap

2 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

4ad0020cd

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2017-09-08

191400002029

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1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

The National

Genre GB

Alternative / Modern

Label GB

The influential 4AD label was started in 1980 by music enthusiasts Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent with financial help from Beggars Banquet, whose record store chain the pair worked for. Originally called Axis, they released an initial series of four 7" singles before finding out that the name Axis was already being used by another label. They quickly came up with a new name, 4AD, inspired by typography on a flyer announcing their releases. Under Ivo Watts-Russell's guidance, drawing influence from other UK indie labels such as Beggars Banquet, Postcard Records and Factory, 4AD quickly established a unique identity thanks to both the cover designs of Vaughan Oliver/v23 and the label's unique numbering system.

In 1992, 4AD entered a highly publicized Stateside distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records, opening offices in New York headed up by Robin Hurley. The label was largely run from California for most of the decade after Ivo Watts-Russell moved to Los Angeles in the mid-90s. In November 1999 it was announced that Martin Mills had taken over as chairman and relocated its HQ to London.

Decoding their unique numbering system reveals various formats like mail-order only releases (4AD), LPs (CAD), MP3 downloads (EAD), posters (FAD), videos (VAD) and more. The numeric portion of their catalog numbers

The National is an American indie rock band formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1999. The band consists of Matt Berninger (vocals), Aaron Dessner (guitar, keyboards), Bryce Dessner (guitar), Scott Devendorf (bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums). Known for their introspective lyrics and melancholic sound, The National has released numerous critically acclaimed albums over the years. Their music often explores themes of love, loss, and personal struggles, resonating with a wide audience. With their distinctive blend of alternative rock and indie folk influences, The National continues to captivate listeners worldwide.

Since their debut album "The National" in 2001, the band has gained a loyal following and received widespread recognition for their unique musical style. Their breakthrough came with the release of "Alligator" in 2005, which showcased their ability to create emotionally charged songs that resonate deeply with listeners. Subsequent albums like "Boxer" and "High Violet" further solidified their reputation as one of the most influential indie rock bands of our time.

In addition to their studio albums, The National has also collaborated with various artists and contributed to soundtracks for films such as "Win Win" and "Ex Machina." They have performed at major music festivals around the world and continue to tour extensively. With each new release, The National pushes boundaries creatively while staying true to their signature sound. Their evocative

Back In Stock

Sleep Well Beast, the seventh album from The National. Produced by member Aaron Dessner with additional production by Matt Berninger and Bryce Dessner. The album was mixed by Peter Katis and recorded at Aaron’s Long Pond studio in Hudson Valley, NY. From the sombre piano chords of Nobody Else Will Be There, with a weary, hollowed-out Matt Berninger sighing: “You said we’re not so tied together / What did you mean?” it’s clear this is an album about separation, although Berninger has stated it’s not autobiographical. Strings peek into the mix as the opener builds gently to a crescendo that never arrives. A stirring example of The National as masters of restraint, it would have been entirely at home on Trouble Will Find Me. A thundering tom rhythm from the ever-innovative Bryan Devendorf ushers in Day I Die and a typically wry Berninger line: “Let’s get high enough to see our problems”. It also introduces the first of several lacerating guitar riffs from the Dessner twins. Indeed, the album, scattered with electronic loops, is at turns both the band’s most and least guitar-centric. The Crazy Horse-like solo on first single The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness tears through the heart of a song built for stadiums.

2LP - Standard Double White Vinyl in Gatefold Sleeve with Download and Poster.

2LP + Limited Double Blue Vinyl in Gatefold Sleeve with Download and Poster.

Sleep Well Beast

Music GB

Buy The National - Sleep Well Beast (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.