Back catalogue: All genres

Review: US indie pioneers The National formed back in 1999 and they have cleverly managed to skip the trap of becoming a legacy band. They are aging like a fine wine with old songs sounding better than ever live and new songs holding up brilliantly next to the staggering quality of their early tunes. Part of their evergreen appeal, with increasingly youthful audiences gathering at their concerts despite their sad dad rock tag, is thanks to guitarist Aaron Dessner's a-list collaborations as a producer - including with Taylor Swift. This double vinyl LP set, recorded at the National's June 3 concert at Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morrico in Rome, conveys just how well aligned they are to the zeitgeist, thanks to the mix including the crowd's overwhelmingly emotional response. As for the setlist, it is a celebration of their past, present and future and solid throughout, but standouts include: 'Fake Empire', a spine-tingling knock out that will floor you. And 'Bloodbuzz Ohio', a baroque pop take on post-punk, with the flair of Sufjan Stevens and the darkness of Joy Division. Legendary stuff.

Review: Rome is a 21-track live album that captures The National's performance in the Italian capital on June 3, 2024, with a tracklisting that spans the band's 20-plus-year career. Rome highlights fresh renditions of recent tracks such as 'Eucalyptus' and 'Tropic Morning News', revealing The National's distinct ability to reshape their music in concert, giving new life to old favorites while showcasing hidden gems like 'Runaway' and 'Murder Me Rachael'. The National are renowned for their emotional intensity and layered songwriting and frontman Matt Berninger's deep, brooding vocals, combined with the intricate musicianship of brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner and the rhythmic backbone provided by Scott and Bryan Devendorf, have earned the band critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Not to be excluded, the live album has beloved songs like 'Bloodbuzz Ohio', 'I Need My Girl' and Fake Empire' as well. Their live performances are celebrated for their raw energy, with the band's songs taking on heightened emotional and sonic dimensions in a concert setting. Rome preserves this intensity, capturing the fiery atmosphere of the performance and offering fans a definitive live document of the band's evolution over two decades. The album immortalises The National's ability to craft both intimate and expansive moments on stage.

Review: The National's Rome, is a 21-track live album capturing the band's June 3, 2024 performance at the stunning Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone in - you guessed it - the Italian capital. Mixed by Peter Katis, the album spans over two decades of The National's career, featuring iconic tracks like 'Bloodbuzz Ohio', 'I Need My Girl' and 'Fake Empire', alongside newer material such as 'Eucalyptus' and 'Tropic Morning News'. The National, formed in 1999, are an American rock band known for their emotional depth and intricate songwriting. With Matt Berninger's baritone vocals and the instrumental prowess of brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner, alongside Scott and Bryan Devendorf, the band has built a reputation for powerful live performances and critically acclaimed albums. Known for their introspective lyrics and rich, textured sound, The National continues to evolve after two decades. This live recording showcases the band's ability to transform their songs in the concert setting, offering refreshed renditions and hidden gems like 'Runaway' and 'Murder Me Rachael'. Known for their intense live shows, Rome immortalises the emotional and fiery energy The National brings to the stage.