Agony & Irony (studio album) by Alkaline Trio

Far from the early days of playing for the 'red wine' and penny here or there, Alkaline Trio record a heavier effort than the piano laden previous effort to various results. While their are weaker parts and it simply doesn't compare to other louder efforts than released like 'From Here To The Infirmary', I'll focus on what is good and great. I know I know... these chaps are not ones to focus on the bright side of life. I'll give it a go. And you know what... it is relatively easy. This album has the best song Alkaline Trio has recorded to date for one. 'Help Me' is a chained-at-the-ankles plea in the dark. A tribute to Joy Division singer 'Ian Curtis' the music completely get's across the desperation of the man. Those guitars, or pianos... I'm not sure, sound as though they are ambulance sirens rushing to save the soul before it is too late. Magnificent song all I can say. Other highlights include the skinny jeans tight scarf manifesto of 'Live Young, Die Fast' and 'Love Love, Kiss Kiss'. Probably about Sid Vicious and a Cure tribute band respectively. Both work the way you're average Green Day or Blink- 182 song would work. Use a chorus, keep it simple, take the roof off, etc. Other songs take a more different approach. 'In Vein' starts off like some cowboys riding into the sunset before moving into Franz Ferdinand meets Fall Out Boy with tasty licks to go. 'Over And Out' is a quiet narrative sung, so not technically a narrative... what am I talking about?, about a guy and girl who are committing suicide. "The war has taken everything from me, it's all I see so..." the singer muses on the table edge. Not only do they put post war suicide into the spotlight, they also have the 'National Hopeline Network' phone number at the bottom of the lyric in the album sleeve. You have to give a band props for that. For what the music is worth, it is a good Alkaline Trio album. If you liked 'Crimson' and 'From Here To Infirmary' check this out. I'm done.

Help Me Is Fantastic! So is Live Young Die Fast. I too recommended the before mentioned albums (That Catch fire album was a little bit weak for me and Good Morning has two good songs)

This is one of the lesser Alkaine Trio albums. If you're curious about them, "Goddamnit", "From Here To Infirmary" & "Crimson" are much cooler. That being said,this is still a good album for the bitter bachelor ! "Do you curse the happy couple? Do you cringe at wedding bells?
Do you drink up all the punch while you wish 'em all to Hell" (Love, Love, Kis, Kiss)