Sometimes you hear a band and you know that their music will stick with you for as long as you live.  It doesn’t happen that often but when it does its a fantastic feeling.  The National are one of those bands.  From listening to them as an obscure band back in the early noughties, to supporting them live with my own band in 2008 I have kind of formed one of those amazing bonds you have with a collection of songs.

Only once has someone requested that I play the national at their wedding.  This is understandable.  Their music isn’t so much suited to celebration as it is reflection, but it still remains beautiful and tender – two perfect traits for a first dance song choice.

Picking a favourite song by the National is like ‘sophie’s choice’ for their fans, picking a first dance National song though was much easier.  ‘Fake Empire’ is beautifully delicate and pretty, musically and lyrically.  Close your eyes, listen to the lyrics and imagine yourself in that idyllic twilight.