Alkaline Trio - Goddamnit

In the summer of 1998, one of the most influential punk albums (Goddamnit) was recorded by a little ol' band from Chicago called the ALKALINE TRIO. Costing only $900 over a course of 5 days, this album went on to sell over 200,000 records globally. Ten years later we bring you the extensive rerelease of this classic album. Most rereleases offer the basic remastered + bonus photos/liner notes type of deal, but this reissue has been a three year long process that's been given the royal treatment. Completely remixed, remastered, new digipak artwork w/ two metallic foil inks on the cover, twelve page booklet with rare photos/liner notes, and a two hour DVD documentary featuring all original members. Interviews include Matt Skiba, Dan Andriano, and Glenn Porter from the ALKALINE TRIO, Brendan Kelly (LAWRENCE ARMS), Matt Allison (Atlas Studios), Heather Hannoura (Artist/Roadie), and Mike Park (Asian Man Records). The DVD takes you through the story of the bands creation through the eyes of all the major players who were involved in the genesis of the band. It also includes the entire Goddamnit album performed by the original band and then again by the current lineup. We are also extremely proud to introduce four never released songs. These were the first four songs the band ever recorded and they have also been remixed and remastered for the re-release. The vinyl will be released on six limited edition colors of quantities of 500. Two of them will be exclusive to their fan club, which leaves only 2,000 pieces of wax for the rest of the world to fight over. Those who purchase the vinyl will also receive a gift certificate for a free copy of the DVD. Product Description

Yet another album that didn't need to be remastered

I'll say right off the bat, Goddamnit is my favorite Alkaline Trio album. It's the only one I consistently listen to, and the only one where I never skip any songs.

When I heard this album was going to be remastered and re-released, I knew it was going to be a disaster. It's bad enough that the bad has gone down the line of releasing pop records on Vagrant (although Good Mourning wasn't too bad), but to remaster an album like this is outright wrong.

Part of the reason why I love the album so much is because of the low budget production and sound quality - it signifies a young band with no money putting out an album that was actually very successful. Now, on this remastered version, the drums sound out of place, the guitars are too buzzy, and the vocals sound nothing like the original.

So, needless to say, this new remastered version is going back to my local record shop, and I'll be sticking to the older low-budget version - it sounds much better. April 12, 2008

Goddamnit...back from the dead

Pay the money. Buy the CD. You know you want to.

And I know you should. This reissue of "Goddamnit" is by far my wisest purchase of the year and the best Alkaline Trio disc released since its original issue. That's not to downplay every other gem they've recorded, it's just so, so hard to improve upon perfection.

And that's what this is. The original recording has been remastered beautifully. Everything is crisp and clear and perfect in every way. Even if you already own the original, get this one. On top of the original tracks, this one includes four others, including "Weak Week," an earlier version of "Nose Over Tail," an early version of "Ninety-Seven," and "Sundials." These four songs, all done "Goddamnit" style, are well worth the cost of the disc.

As a bonus, this release comes with a DVD documentary. It chronicles the band's early years and gives a point by point breakdown, as well as early live performances, of most of the songs on the disc. Matt, Dan, and Glen (and some other key players) take the viewer on a guided tour of the Trio's roots. The extras on the DVD give a live performance of the entire CD by the band's current lineup as seen on the Occult Roots tour. So, you get to see every song performed by the band in 1998 and again by the band as it currently exists. In addition to all of that, you can get a look at the band's old Chicago haunts. This DVD is far superior, both in quality and information, than The Show Must Go Off DVD and the Remains DVD.

Go buy it. If you're a fan, you need it. If you've never heard the band before, start at the beginning.
April 11, 2008

Not an another rip off, so enjoy your day.

I've bought this album (regular version) about seven years ago; back then, internet hadn't strike the industry that bad yet. There's no dvd promo cd's, not that much remastered re-isues, just a beautiful little circles. So I'm a cynic and not support this kind of releases (10th year, 25th year, 50th year??? anniversary realeses) at some degree. But this album is exception. Remastering sound is great. Actually in the lot of remastering stuff, you can't spot the differences, especially albums like as raw as goddamnit. But this time you really feel the improvement. Belive or not; It's slightly better than the led zep's lettest collection. And the dvd is a little gem. Lot of early era trio stuff with band interview. My only complain is sound quality of the new concert footage. It's like one dimensional sound that cross the tools of air- (It's year 2008, come on?) So the verdict? It's a clear one. If you don't have this album yet, It's a must; metaphor driven, time beatin' pop punk classic. But the real question is; is it really good enough to re purchase? For me year 08' bang with old memories that cleared itself with Millencolin, NUFAN and letter Rancid, new Alkaline record, New Ragan project and maybe new Social D. album (if it's really out at some point) This record is kind of a badge that marked the way for 2008. Recall the past and mixed with the new ideas; it's a stand alone retrospective. So the answer is yes. At some point, you have to buy this. Buy it for beliveing and beginning. Again. April 4, 2008

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