via//chicago

"The only thing that you ever really did for me / was make me oh so miserable"

I've been a huge fan of Alkaline Trio for a number of years, wallowing in their near-perfect blend of dark cynicism and catchy punk-rock with every new release that trickles out. They've also been one of the few bands that I've loved enough to track down each and every compilation and soundtrack that they've appeared on, even the ones that were pretty much worthless outside of the Trio's contribution. But those of you who haven't followed the band down each and every dark trail are in luck as Vagrant is releasing a catch-all compilation of B-sides, split EP tracks, and compilation appearances this Tuesday entitled Remains. That's the excellently dark cover art above. It also comes with a DVD full of backstage features and videos from the last three full-lengths, well worth checking out. And while this may be a rarities comp, it doesn't mean these songs are any less fantastic than anything else they've put out... as evidenced by these two songs below.

Alkaline Trio - "Jaked On Green Beers" (originally found on Atticus: Dragging The Lake)
This is one of those great kiss-off songs that you scream along with after being dumped, wishing you could send this to your ex as a Casey Kasem long distance dedication. Feel the bile.

Alkaline Trio - "Old School Reasons" (originally found on Oil: Chicago Punk Refined)
Besides blood and heartbreak, another common theme found in the Trio's music is alcohol, as in being the cure to the previously mentioned two. "Old School Reasons" is the punk rock way to cry in your beer.