Alkaline Trio - Maybe I'll Catch Fire

'Maybe I'll Catch Fire' (Asian Man Records) follows in the footsteps of Goddamnit, while staying true to the elaborate but emotional tone of aggressive pop-punk. Album Description

As close to perfect as possible...

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 July 29, 2006

Still The Best Trio Album!!!

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. February 20, 2006

woah!

awesome awesome cd. my personal favorite off this album is of course, radio. what genius! September 10, 2005

Great earlier work from a great band.

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. July 17, 2005

Probably my favorite Alkaline Trio album

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. March 23, 2005

More reviews at Amazon.com ...