Alkaline Trio

This album is poppier like their last release with quality sound and structure. Still solid true rock (the trio was always more EMO than Punk folks) music that deserves a listen. I'm glad they are finally getting some deserved radio play and will be able to make some money well earned for all their hard work. I'm sorry people miss their old sounds (from a decade ago), but 90s music will not sell in today's market and nobody is going to produce and pay for an album they have heard before. I'm so glad the band is still together, progressing with the times and their age. I look forward to what comes next.

4 stars because there were a couple songs that didn't do too much for, but that's the case with most albums.

Alkaline Trio is and always will be my favorite band. I have listened to their music since they came out with Goddammit. Every cd they have made since has be nothing but great, and this album is no exception. Anybody saying otherwise are just in denial. Those are the people that begin to hate bands as soon as they change a single note from their first cd. This album truly shows off the Trio's musical genius.

This is not the old Trio that made Goddammit for dirt cheap. Sony / Epic have too much on the Bass Drum and too little on Dan's Bass (which is weird b/c normally they have too much bass). Get it, play with the treble / bass a little and you'll be fine. It still won't sound like old school but it will still be good.

I disagree with several of these reviewers. If you call this "not punk" today, I'd say the same about every other record they put out. The topics are same; the lyrics however, are little more vague / softer in their "too-the-point-ness" heard in the past. The style is similar - a little more poppier in some cases (but after hearing Crimson, I've expected as much).

Try not to listen too much ot the haters. It's a little different but if it was exactly the same it would get boring (just look at Pennywise and Bad Religion ... yeah yeah, sorry but it's true).

If you're a fan get it.

Add'l: the deluxe edition is worth it. promise.

It looks to me that Alkaline Trio stole a page form AFI and decided go from punk to garbage.

Despite what other people have said I feel that this is a very good album.

A lot of people are quick to criticize this cd and Crimson because it doesn't have the same sound as Goddamnit and Maybe I'll Catch Fire, but to be honest that is an unfair comparison. Just because a band tries something different doesn't necessarily make it bad, and in this case it makes it quite good. Most popular song on the CD is Stupid Kid, which probably is like the 7th best song on the CD if you listen to it the whole way through. Mr. Chainsaw, You're Dead, Armageddon, Trucks and Trains, and Crawl are the best songs in my opinion, the low point on the CD being Take Lots with Alcohol (which still isn't that bad). I read elsewhere that they had originally intended to include their song "Dead End Road" on this cd but they opted not to because it would have taken away the success from Stupid Kid and it didn't fit in well with the other songs on the album, and I think that's a tragedy because that song is fantastic, but you can get that on Remains now, this CD is still great, if you have to get one CD I would suggest Remains, but that is like a greatest hits album so it doesn't really count. This is their best LP/Ep and is a must have for fans of the band or punk fans in general

Remains had some great stuff on it and they've had some other good past releases but I'm only missing one of their albums and I must say this is the best I've heard. I love this album. It's actually one of my favorite releases from ANY band.

This was the first Alkaline Trio cd I listened to, and in my opinion, it's the best. It really got me into the band, and helped me to get more into punk as a whole.

A lot of people would classify Alkaline Trio as pop-punk, but I'm not one of them. At least with this album, I wouldn't (their latest album, "Crimson" is quite a bit more poppy). On "From Here to Infirmary", the tracks are very catchy, and will most likely be stuck in your head for a while the first time you hear them. Matt Skiba's voice is very distinctive, and helps set Alk3 apart from other punk/emo fusion bands. Dave Andriano also sings on a few tracks. As far as lyrics go, most of the songs are about what you'd expect from an emo-like band, but seeing as Skiba's a satanist, he can't help but add a tone of darkness, right? Overall, the songs are very well-written, and fun to listen to, no matter what your mood.

From start to finish, "From Here to Infirmary" doesn't dissapoint, and if you're gonna get one Alkaline Trio album, make it this.

Alkaline Trio are a great band that have gained quite a following with the lil Hot Topic mall punk crowd. On the one hand, it's great that they are getting the recognition they deserve. Alkaline Trio are an amazing band, but at the same time part of me wishes I could go back to the days of seeing them in a small venue again. Anyway, when this came out I was totally obsessed with it. From the first track,Private Eye (sticks in your head for days) to the closer, and my personal favorite Crawl this cd is just one catchy song after another. As I get older, my musical taste has changed a bit, and the cds I loved in middle or high school tend to sit on the shelf awaiting a sentimental listen every once in awhile. But From Here To Infirmary is one cd I come back to again and again. I still know every song by heart and love it the same as I did the very first time I heard it. This is Alkaline Trio at their best, pop punk at its best and one of my all time favorite cds.

speechlesss... every track on this cd is worth the time of listening too.... buy it

So I need to start off by admitting that I'm not a long-time fan of the band. In fact the thing I remember about them is that I really wanted them to get off the stage so NoFX could start playing, but that was before I picked up "Crimson." Like many other "successful" bands of similar punk/popunk styles, Alkaline Trio has changed their style a bit over the past decade or so. That has seemingly (from the other reviews posted) caused a lot of disappointment to their long-time fans. I enjoy this album quite a bit. It's catchy, dark and interesting for the most part. The opener starts us off with a blissful, evil, hook-filled delight that pretty much continues throughout the album. I didn't like the 'hit' song from this album, #2. After listening to some of their old stuff I can't understand why the long-time fans are receiving this one so poorly. Sure the production is much better but I never had a problem with music that sounds good. Maybe the average bpm is down by like 5% or something. Whatever. If you like "Crimson" I bet you will like this almost as much. If you're a whiny long-time fan who thinks they've sold out or stopped trying...well I guess that sucks for you. I guess the latest Strung Out and A.F.I. records aren't my favorites, but then again you can only have one favorite. To you I would recommend being more open-minded. I'm just sick of people not liking a band for doing something different.

I haven't heard Maybe I'll Catch Fire in its entirety yet but I have their other stuff and this may be my least favorite album from a band that I really love. It's not terrible, it's just not great. A few awesome songs, a few good ones, and a few that I really tend to skip most of the time (which is rare with their other albums IMHO).

Alkaline Trio is what I consider a fun band. Their lyrics are strange but in a funny/serious way if that makes any sense. Their riffs are catchy and will make you move in your seat and they just give the impression that they must be a great live act. Once I heard their single `We've Had Enough' I was just sucked in. The opening track `This Could Be Love' starts us off on a good note and gets us ready and willing to continue the musical experience. The best track here by far is `We've Had Enough'...ironically I just can't get enough of that song! `All on Black' is also a great track, one of the better ones. `Every Thug Needs a Lady' is also a highlight. It's everything that makes this band so great, it's catchy and smart but it could have been a bit better...I mean with a name like that they could have went anywhere. Loved `Donner Party', just a great all around song, and their closing track `Blue in the Face' is a nice detour giving us an acoustic track that's a brilliant addition and makes me want to listen to this album one more time.

when i first got this cd, i already had from here to infirmiry and the hot water music split, so i was familiar with them.

at first i only liked 3 or 4 songs on the album. but now, 2 years later, i love every song and i never skip a track. give this cd time to sink in. i DONT recomend getting this cd first.

order of AT albums you should buy if you want to get into them:

1. crimson (its the most appealing to all parties)
2. from here to infirmiry (armaggedon, private eye, and stupid kid were the first songs i liked by them)
3. good mourning (once you have the previously stated 2, you can appreciate and enjoy this album more)
4. self titled (this isnt an album, but it lets you get a feel for their earlier stuff before buying MICF and GD)
5. mayble ill catch fire (this album is totally different from the next albums they would release. this is probably their worst album, but i still love it.)
6. goddamnit (this is a classic. if you learn to like MICF, you'll be obsessed with this one)

this is just a recomendation, whatever you decide, you cant go wrong with alkaline trio.

back to the album

1.this could be love- 9/10 - your typical alkaline trio formula. dark verse, catchy a bit more happy sounding chorus. this song has some sick lyrics though, consider yourself warned.

2. we've had enough - 9/10 - an instant favorite. upbeat but dark verse, sing-a-long chorus. this song is sort of the anthem of the cd

3. 100 stories - 8/10 - this song is one of those songs that just takes time to like. i LOVE it now, but again, it took me a while to get used to it. this song is sung by Dan, not Matt

4. continental - 10/10 - this could easily be my favorite song on the album. beautiful guitar parts, genius melodies yet so simple.

5. all on black - 10/10 - this is another stand-out track on the album and one you will like almost immediately. dark verse, dark chorus, very satanic lyrics. this song probably has the most genius bridge ive ever heard in my life

6. emma - 8/10 - this is a song i just recently started liking, i dont understand why i skipped over it at first. the chorus is awesome. sung by dan

7. fatally yours - 7/10 - this is another song i just recently started liking. this song has more punk roots and shows a bit more of alkaline trio's old stuff. i love this song, i just gave it a 7 because i know it was my least favorite song on the album at first.

8. every thug needs a lady - 8/10 - this is another song sung by Dan. this was one of my favorite songs when i first bought the album. this one is a bit more melodic and radio friendly

9. blue carolina - 7/10 - another sung by Dan. this song is overrated. it is a good song, but there are so many claims that this is the greatest alkaline trio song ever. far from the truth. this one is a pretty average track

10. donnes party (all night) - 7/10 - this song is good, but nothing compared to the other material this cd has to offer. nothing special

11. if we never go inside - 8/10 - better than the last couple songs but still not the best song on the cd. this one is a bit more happy sounding especially on the chorus. sung by Dan.

12. blue in the face - 9/10 - this song is acoustic. i love this song so much now, but i didnt think it was that great at first. the last verse at the end of the song is one of my favorite parts of the album. its a perfect way to end the cd

I actually started my experience with Alkaline Trio with this CD a few years ago, so maybe it's just that I've listened to it the most, but of the three I have so far (I also have Crimson, Maybe I'll Catch Fire...and I'm waiting for Goddammit! to come in), this CD is my favorite.

Every song on this CD is great, and catchy-- a great blend of hard driving rock, excellent vocals and harmony, and scathing lyrics (so not something you necessarily want to listen to with your young kids along).

From listening to their earlier work, too, it is obvious how far these guys have come in tightening and refining their sound. It is definitely formulatic, typical Alkaline Trio-- but one of those things-- if you like one song, you will most likely like them all. And after few listens, each song's distinct nuances will start to separate to your ear and you will determine your favorites amongst them all.

And for those who think the Alkaline Trio has "sold out" or commercialized their sound, you gotta get over that. When I was a teenager, I felt the same way about my favorite "small" band then-- U2-- and stubbornly refused to let myself like their "popular" music for many years before I grew up and finally realized what I was missing. Bands grow and evolve, stay stagnant, or fade into oblivion. Just because they get "popular," or "discovered" by the rest of the world, doesn't mean they will necessarily get any worse. I don't think Alkaline Trio are in danger of that-- their sound follows the same course that will appeal to certain listeners who appreciate and like the genre-- but I do have to say they have become more listenable throughout the years.

Good Mourning is a great CD, and if you only own one Alkaline Trio CD make it this one.

"Crimson" is a great rock record. The songwriting is varied enough to keep it from being a monolithic sound blast, yet it rocks like a champ. The opener "Time to Waste" opens almost classically before Matt Skiba's electric guitar blasts and lyrics that sound in harmony with Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, "I had time to kill; it's dead & buried; You've got guts to spill, but no one trustworthy." "The Poison" blares like beach music with a buzz, "How could a rooftop view in London look just the same as one in Brooklyn?" "Mercy Me" punches the vocals sounding almost like a punk Beach Boys, "Oh, mercy me, God bless catastrophe." "Deathbed" sears the speakers, "We've got the know-how & the elbow grease; We've got our victim all cut up down here on the floor." The set concludes with a strong track, "Smoke," that uses keyboards through its winding path, "Faith dear, enough to get you by until we're home." "Crimson" is an excellent disc. Its charm is evident to those who liked Good Mourning. Enjoy!

Matt Skiba's voice gives Alkaline Trio's music an indefinable quality. I stopped listening to punk music a couple of years ago, but found a couple of files from 'From Here to Infirmary' on my PC about 2 years back. The first song on the album had me hooked, and a year later I got hold of Good Mourning, a brilliant, haunting pop punk album.

Crimson doesn't disappoint, carrying forward the Trio's weird lyrical sensibilities and poppy feel. The second listen had me humming along to one of the only bands I've heard in a while who seem distinguishable from the mass of generic sounding mall punk anthems out there.

I am saddened to hear the reviews of "they sold out" or "their sound has finally become pop" and the similar cries of embittered fans. The simple fact of the matter is the band has improved their production quality and softened their music a little - although nowhere near enough to justify a "sellout" accusation.

In past albums, Goddamnit!, for example, there was a raw, young punk feeling to the band. Compare, if you will, to Taking Back the Covers or many of the bands on the Springman label. Bands grow up. Punk doesn't *inevitably* lead to pop, but when the angst that starts creativity leads to intelligent songwriting, harmonies and more complex chord work, the hard edge that sometimes brings us to punk gets lost.

But, listen to The Poison on Crimson, or Back to Hell, and you'll realize that it's the same band that recorded Goddamnit! and From Here to Infirmary.

People have said that the star of the album is really Mercy Me. I'm also a complete sucker for harmony, and Mercy Me has harmonies that almost evoke Brian Wilson. However, listeners will also find a real treat in the next track, Dethbed, which has the same harmonies with a more morbid, darker overtone to it, which is frankly more reminiscent of their earlier recordings (which listeners seem to be looking for).

The songwriting is so intelligent, the composition of the music itself is intelligent itself, and what Alkaline Trio has produced in Crimson is a damn good album.

Bitter "we knew them first" fans should realize that bands grow, and that sometimes their fans don't grow with them as quickly. The good news is for these fans is that there *are* bands out there right now cutting their teeth on punk, like Amazing Transparent Man, who will do more than enough to satisfy when "The Trio" goes "pop."

If you've never listened to alkaline trio before do not get this albulm, its ok i guess, but it is nothing compared to goddamnit! or self-titled

Solid 4 stars. If there were 4.5 stars I'd give it that. Not their best but definitely on the better end of the spectrum. Probably their best album from a continuity standpoint, however.

The only main album I don't have is Maybe I'll Catch Fire (which I just ordered) but to me this is one of their weaker releases. I think 'Remains' and 'From Here To Infirmary' are both legendary (can't speak of the aforementioned Catch Fire as I haven't heard it in its entirety).

this album may very well be alkaline's best album ever. goodbye forever is a great opener, this is getting over you is a classic, bleeder is extremely catchy and the rest of the album is just as good. the best songs are cooking wine, my friend peter and 97. but the best song is nose over tail. if you like great harmonies than this is for you... start here if you are new to the trio

I am usually too lazy to go and write a nice review on the internet about a cd I like, but I love this cd. I have been an Alkaline Trio fan since forever, but it seems that they have lost everything they once were after Goddamnit!. This cd compiles all of their old songs from their early eps and puts it together to form an awesome cd. I defiantly recommend this cd to someone who wants to hear the best of what Alkaline Trio had to offer.

This is my favorite Alkaline Trio disc. I didn't fall in love with it immediately...but the more I hear it, the more I like it. The third track, "Bleeder," is actually what turned me on to ALK3. The whole CD is a compilation of older songs, B-sides and whatnot. It isn't as catchy as some other Alkaline Trio albums (i.e. Good Mourning), but that's what makes it wear so well. If you like Alkaline Trio, I highly recommend this CD.

Alkaline trio is one of the grestest bands out on the scene today and unfortunately this is their greatest effort to date even though they have put out very good records since i dont think any will top this one. Mix one part Jawbreaker, one part Morissey and one part misfits and you have the alkaline trio. Heartbreak, bloody murder and drinking basically just like any other 20 something american. Best songs are: "goodbye forever", "getting over you", "97" , "my friend peter", and "bleeder".

The Alkaline Trio is one of my all time favorite bands. This cd is absolutely amazing. Each song is well crafted, and Matt Skiba's lyrics are stronger here than on much of their newer stuff.

"Keep 'em Coming"- The cd starts out strong with the song "Keep 'em Coming". This song is a perfect introduction to the ALkaline Trio.

"Madam Me" is great, one of my top 5 songs on the cd. With heavy guitar riffing over a driving bass line, with strong lyrics to match.

"You've got so far to go"- is one of Dan's songs, and it is amazing as well. Though Matt Skiba gets much of the recognition, Dan Adriano deserves much more credit, as he often upstages Matt's lyrics.

"F--- You Aurora"- This could be my favorite alkaline trio song, from any cd. Beautiful and Mysterious, this is the Alkaline Trio at their best.

"Sleepy Head" showcases the edge that the Alkaline Trio had on their songs pre-"From Here to Infrimary". I kove that album, but "Sleepyhead" is a fantastic, beautiful song... if only more bands could write like this.

"Maybe I'll Catch Fire"- The title track is another one of Dan's song. Once again, Dan displays his excellent song-crafting ability. Dan does a very stong job on vocals, though I usually tend to prefer Matt's voice.

"Tuck Me in"- A faster, punkier, moshier song. A very good break from the cycle track.

"She Took Him to the Lake"- Another of Dan's, this song starts out very similar to "Tuck Me In"'s style. It is not my favorite on the cd, music wise, but the lyrics are great. After the song grows on you a little bit, though, you can start to recognize the subtle, impressive moments of the song.

"5-3-10-4"- Following in the tradition of the past few songs, this is another punk rock song. This is probably my fourth or fifth favorite songs on the cd, with a strong chorus and scathing, aggressive vocals by Matt.

"Radio"- There isnt much to say about this that hasnt been said already. The softest song on the cd, but no less intense, emotionally. Matt Skiba paints a vivid picture with his lyrics. The chorus, as well, is a sing-a-long, agressive chorus that stands out as one of their all time bests.

Overall, this cd is probably their best cd, in my oppinion. Not to knock their new albums, but the edge found on this album, along with Godda--it, has dulled slightly after this release.

If you dont have this cd already, even if you arent an Alkaline trio fan, you should definately buy this right away. It will convert the non-believers.

-peace

I have been a fan of Alkaline Trio for awhile now and I've heard every one of their albums several times. In every one they have a certain unexplained genius that flows forth, but with "Maybe I'll Catch Fire" they jump beyond that, into a sort of world all it's own. It's a beautifully depressing record for the down hearted. The songs "She Took Him To The Lake", "F+++ You Aurora" and "Radio" are my personal favorites and contain some of the best lyrics they've written, but you really need to listen to this one as a whole to truly appreciate the deepness. I would recommend this over all other trio records, truly their best.

awesome awesome cd. my personal favorite off this album is of course, radio. what genius!

Really about 3.6 stars.

I have been kind of working backwards with Alkaline Trio-- I started with Good Mourning, which I loved, then got Crimson, which at first I didn't like as much but now really love, so I got Maybe I'll Catch Fire and am waiting for Goddammit to come it too.

At first listen I noticed right away how far the Trio have come in tightening up their sound-- mostly in the vocals realm as Maybe I'll Catch Fire is almost a little raw and wobbly both in the singers' tone and harmonizing-- but this was 5 years before the polished Crimson CD.

So I think this is a great reference listen for the Trio-- you can see they are building up their musical base and there are some great, catchy numbers here-- "Keep 'Em Coming" is a great opener, "You've Got So Far To Go" sounds like Blink until the vocals come in, and "F$#@ You Aurora" is a classic.

So I am going to continue exploring Alkaline Trio-- every CD by them is great so far, and stands on its own although the formula, which has developed through the records, is standard-- but it is also what makes them appealing musically.

This is, as I have already stated, probably my favorite Alkaline Trio album. Why? Well, I'll tell you why, you lazy can of sardines!
1. The album sounds more mature and organized than releases such as "Goddamnit!" (Not to say that Goddamnit isn't a good album)
2. The lyrics are superb, even for Alkaline Trio. I can't think of one song that doesn't make me say "Whoa. So true." And nod my head thusly.
3. The calmer and sadder beats (such as "Radio") work really well, especially with the vocal stylings and the (as previously mentioned) superb lyrics. In my opinion, depressing lyrics work better with depressing music, as opposed to faster, louder music.

I guess I thought I had more than 3 reasons before I began writing this, but these are three damn good reasons to buy, or at least steal, this CD. I would reccomend it to more seasoned Alkaline Trio fans, but newcomers will probably appreciate it as well.

Make it this one. The only real problem I had with it is that they decided to include the Split version of Sadie even though they produced another version of it for Crimson, but they held out on Over at the Frankenstein place. Even still, if you don't have Crimson, Sadie is one of the bands best songs, and throw in Hell Yes, Queen of Pain, Dead End Road, Hating Every Minute, Jaked on Green Beers, Metro, We Can Never Break Up, and Warbrain you have some of their finest songs.

Also, on the booklet that comes with the CD, Matt Skiba says that "We Can Never Break Up" is the song that represents what the band is all about, and having heard all their CD's, I think that is true and this CD represents what they are all about better than any other. Great for hardcore fans, but even better for those unfamiliar with the band.

First heard this band when I bought a used mp3 player which had 2 of their albums on it. Liked them right away; seems a lot like Green Day's sound. Is that considered "punk" now? So nothing to complain about except this album cover "art" makes me want to puke. Couldn't they come up with anything better? Even a pile of dog poop wouldn't be as bad. Was the intention to be "edgy" or to offend? I don't get it. So, I'll put it away as soon as I rip it to my computer and never look at it again, which seems a shame since they at least did away with the horrible jewel case in favor of cardboard. Good idea! Why record companies still use them is anybody's guess. If they can put a DVD in a box that's unbreakable, why not package CDs in the same sort of box? Makes too much sense to ever be put into practice.

not so much. What could've been a wonderfully put together DVD is nothing but a clip show with no menu. Go figure? The CD, however, is awesome. I've had it in my car's CD player for 2 months now and I don't look to stop listening to it anytime soon. "Metro", "Dead End Road", "Old School Reasons", Don't Say You Won't", "Hell Yes", and "Rooftops" play in my head like my brain is the iTunes shuffle. Other great tracks on here too. For any Trio fan, it's a must have. For any music fan who wants to give a new band a shot, look no further than this compilation of B-sides and rarities.

This album contains Alkaline Trio's best songs. This one hasnt left my car since I got it...all the songs are just too damn good.

Best Songs:
-Dead End Road
-Jaked on Green Beers
-Old School Reasons
-Queen of Pain
-Warbrain
-Buried

They're all really good. This is Alkaline Trio at their finest. Someone earlier mentioned another group of songs...hopefully there'll be more Remains in the future.

I agree with some of the previous reviews that many songs are not new but there are plenty that are and the ones that I had previously heard happened to be some of my favorites so no harm, no foul for me. I am a 43 year old original punk and discoved this band three years ago and I have to admit they have become my favorite. My 13 year old loves the album also, he loves Metro, which is my least favorite since it was an overplayed pop song when I was a kid. Rooftops, Old School Reasons, and If you had a bad time, are some of my favorites, although I have to admit that I have been listening to the disc non-stop for a few months now and am very grateful for the band. I am a little confused by their sophmoric infactuation with blood, death and depression.
Cheers to Alkaline Trio! Keep em coming boys!

I've been a fan for a while. This album does sound a little different but people and bands change so its hard to stay the same. So far I'm really digging the first six, Over and Out has to be my favorite and the other 5 are growing on me. I'm looking forward to seeing them, Thrice, and Rise Against in Cleveland in 2 weeks and hopefully they'll play some new tracks along with some old ones.

It's hard to find words that truly express my full disappointment with this album.
I really wonder if the persons involved in writing music for Alkaline Trio really want to be in the music business at all anymore; let alone for a band that I coveted like Trio. Whatever.
Bands go through changes. They go through bad times. They go through slumps, and they go through courtings. They feel love, hate, and break ups. The goods, the bads, and the what-have-you's.
Some never lose sight of the prize...and some do.
Some say, "It's what we've worked for!" And some realize it's a lot more than that.
A band like Trio was a once in a lifetime thing. The sad fact is that they've become what, I believe, they -at one point- never would have wanted to be. A shadow living in the depths of what was, and what now is past. The members try to do what they used to, but it's come so far...you've come so far.
If any member of Trio ever reads this, I would ask that you look back on what you were. Maybe there you'll find what was. Maybe you could find it again. Probably you'll think you're being chided for "being yourself", but the you who was exited long ago.
You can never write songs like you did years ago; I don't even ask you to. But couldn't you at least write one song that had some feeling in it?

I first heard the Alkaline Trio on [...], and thought they were slightly better than average. I bought this album, and it's been a little better than expected.

Let's get something straight. Alkaline Trio seems to emphasize one major aspect of music: Vocals. This is great in my book, because that's really all I care about in music, but other's care about the guitar and drums. To be honest, the guitar didn't make a huge impression on me, but I am by no means an expert.

Deluxe Edition Extras:

The deluxe editon came with an extra CD full of acoustic and demo versions of the songs. They are not too bad, but not as good as the main album. Deluxe also includes extra artwork, and a cool little cover box thing. Is it worth the extra money you pay? I don't think so, but that's only my opinion. If best buy had had the regular edition, I would have bought it.

So basically if you like the basic melody and rhythm of emo music, and you like the vocals of standard rock music without depressing lyrics, give this album a try.

I can not say too much bad about this album, it is a good sounding album. But to compare it to their previous releases, this one falls short. It would have been hard to top Good Mourning, but Agony and Irony does deliver a nice sound, interesting lyrics, and the bonus album is a fun change to their sound.

I'd buy it again... on sale.

What I like about Alkaline Trio(and you may think I'm old for saying this) is that you can understand the words. Though their lyrics are not Shakespeare and at times seem random, I like that I can sing along with them. Agony and Irony is a heartbreak album from start to finish. Lots of angst and anger here--I especially love this lyric from In Vein: "Do you recognize this shape? It's the back of your hand. You paste it on my face here again & again". Love that and can totally relate.

Musically, there may not be enough punk for me--I like it a little more fast and furious, but did find that I especially liked "Calling All Skeletons" and "Lost and Rendered".

The suicide song "Over And Out" could have been very cheesy and overdone, but I think it was well played. Seems as if they understand the emotion that drives you to the edge, but at the end they encourage anyone thinking in this direction to "never lose hope". For someone who respects Alkaline Trio, this may work.

All in all, I recommend it if you have money to buy two CDs--your first being something more challenging to the ear.

What else can you say about a genius release? Anything said will sound plain and simple, and making the album unworthy. Lyrical geniuses Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano put their heart and blood into their debut cd and certainly saw the explosion of bigger things.
The good: Matt Skiba enters the world of music with a godly light shining
The bad: it's their debut CD, at the time of the release, there was nothing else, and the quality is a little poor from a poor record label
The future: Only light paves the way for this band.
Cringe 10/10-Opening the CD with a quick start was a great idea
Cop 10/10-Got hated friends?
San Fransisco 10/10- You hate love? This is your song
Nose Over Tail 10/10-This expresses and backs up the idea of genius here
As You Were 10/10- When life gets ya down and you feel worthless
Enjoy Your Day 10/10-The most depressing song on the CD, but a lightlifter
Clavicle 9.5/10-The poorest song on the cd, what does that tell ya?
My Little Needle 10/10-The life of the CD s in ths song
Southern Rock 10/10- A Classic Trio Song
Message From Kathlene 10/10-Just keep waiting for it!!
Trouble Breathing 10/10- The breakthrough with fire
Sorry About That 10/10- Left with a bang and something to hope for

Alkaline Trio is far from EMO and the modern Punk, they are their own band and write for themselves with every vessel pumping with passion. The best 13 dollars you could possibly spend in your life.
This CD saved my life, and it might save your!

Upon hearing the word "pop-punk", most people think of bastardized mainstream bands that permeate the radio and Mtv, such as Blink-182 or Good Charlotte. Bands like The Descendents or Screeching Weasel are forgotten among the horrid, modern bands that pass off as pop-punk. Thankfully, there are bands that manage to maintain the genre's dignity. One of the best examples of these bands is Alkaline Trio.

This album was released 10 years ago, and still remains one of the best pop-punk albums of all time. Although the melodies are major-key, simple, and catchy, the lyrics are dark and sadistic, giving a unique twist to the genre.
"You said, 'Tonight is a wonderful night to die'/I asked how you could tell,/You told me too look at the sky./'Look at all those stars./Look at how goddamn ugly the stars are.'"
(Excerpt from "Trouble Breathing")

The production quality is excellent - raw enough to sound gritty and full, but just clean enough so that the melodies can be heard. Matt and Dan take turn singing lead(although Dan only sings for two songs on this album), each with their own unique, distinguishable sound. Often times, one will join in with a harmony while the other is singing lead, giving the songs greater depth and a more earnest and heartfelt sound. Though not the most accessible of the ALK3 catalog(I'd say "From Here To Infirmary" would win that title), it is by far the rawest and most fervent-sounding. This is one of my favorite albums of all time and, if you are a fan of pop-punk or ALK3, it probably will be yours too.

I heard about these guys from my brother in law, and I just loved the name of the band. I love power trio bands, and these guys have a great beat and melodic choruses that will keep you singing there songs, even when they end..

Best alkaline trio albulm
they played this entire albulm at their last show, it was amazing

It is a trade secret. Creating depressing alcohol and broken heart driven theme songs that arn't miserable. Never before have I been so proud to have a mess of a life. With a song listing like : Nose over tail, Clavicle, my little needle, and sothern rock you can't go wrong. I've listened to this album at the beach, in the city and while at home alone in the darkness of my room; and it is great everywhere. inteligent lyrics for a world that is stuck on the Retarded "post punk" style. A must have for anyone who has ever lived a life. ever.

good stuff! can't go wrong if you like both bands.

After listening to this cd I discovered two facts. 1.Alkaline Trio + Hot Water Music equals a superb split release. 2.Alkaline Trio + Hot Water Music equals three pairs of emo glasses.....

This jade tree release features three tracks from AK3; two originals and a cover version of "Rooftops". The two originals (Queen Of Pain, While You're Waiting) are typical of the band. Featuring dark lyrics and catchy choruses.

While the songs are very good, two small points became an issue for me. First problem is the backing track of Skiba singing over his own voice. The Dan Adriano background vocals serve a big part of the Trio's music. His voice is not present throughout all of the three tracks. Another small detail i felt obliged to mention is the annoying clapping sequence in "While You're Waiting". While it's no big deal, it does tend to irritate me.

The cover of Rooftops is probably AK3's shining moment on this disc. Their rendition gives the song a more poppy feel, and provides a good listen.

It's now track four and Hot Water Music have taken over, with a track entitled "God Deciding", an original. This song puts the two vocalists to good use. The transitions are flawless. "Russian Roulette" follows. It's a good song with an acoustic intro and a catchy chorus. The HWM version of "Radio" is easily the best song of the lot, and one the best covers i have ever heard. Hot Water Music have a way of showing show much emotion through their music and it is displayed here. The disc closes with an acoustic version of "bleeder", which is coincidentally probably the worst on this split.

One thing that differs between the feel of the two bands songs is the production. Hot Water Music seem to have a rawer sound, which translates to a more emotional and intense listen. Alkaline Trio sound a lot more polished and poppy, and this suits their style of music.

This is one of those over before you know it releases. Which in a way is good, because that means i can keep going back and listening to it over and over again. Quite clearly these two bands are not the same, that's probably what this split set out to do; display the diversity between two bands who seemingly fit into the same genre and share the same label.

I like both of these bands, i like this split.

I'm tired of people trashing the band that the person did not buy the cd for. For instance Alk3 fans trashing the Hot Water Music side. I mean if you listen to some other Hot Water Music songs the band has to offer, it's not that bad. Same thing with Alk3. Hot Water Music and Alkaline Trio are amazing bands in their own right. But, to say that one side of the album is better than the other just because you prefer one band's music over the others is ludicrous.

alakaline trio and hot water music team up to put out an awesome release. alkaline trio steal the show though "queen of pain" which is one of the best A3 songs ever plus you get "while your waiting" which gets fantastically disturbing towards the end. They do a good job on "rooftops" which is an awesome song by HWM. On the second half of the album HWM arent as good as heir counter parts but "god deciding" is awesome and so is their acoustic cover of "bleeder. Overall this is a great little album.

"Queen of Pain" and "While You're Waiting" are two of the most unique original songs in Alkaline Trio's catalog; some of Matt Skiba's best songwriting yet. Powerful lines like, "...I'm not much of a jester but I'd test poison food for you..." and "...you told me once I made you smile/we both know damn well I didn't..." make "Queen Of Pain" my album favorite. The Trio's take on HWM's "Rooftops" is excellent...I have yet to hear the original, but I doubt it could be better. Hot Water Music's "Russian Roulette" is a song that starts out sounding all pukey and gross, but quickly builds into the perfect song to relax to. An entire star is lost to the cause of HWM's butchery of "Radio" one of my favorite Alk3 songs. I can understand adding a second guitar part, and MAYBE changing the original one, but SCREWING UP THE WORDS??? NO. Their cover of "Bleeder" was almost as equally disappionting. Altogether though, I love the record.