So 2011 is the year that Alkaline Trio is performing for 15 years already. As their latest release „This Addiction“ has been 2010 normally nobody would have thought they were going to release a follow up this year. Due to extended touring 2010 this was more or less impossible.

But Alkaline Trio wouldn’t be one of my favorite bands if they would not find a solution for this problem. Therefor the band met this spring to record an album of fan favorites in acoustic versions, which would be the birthday release 2011.

I’ve read some reviews that were constantly mourning about the fact that this is
– no new music
– acoustic is crap
– disappointing, as the band should get back to their punk roots

However I don’t really understand what those guys are thinking as it was absolutely clear that „Damnesia“ is an acoustic album or an album re-arranging old , beloved songs. For the fans. And that’s exactly what they put out and that’s exactly what I wanted to have.

The tracklist reads as follows:

01. Calling All Skeletons
02. Nose Over Tail
03. This Could Be Love
04. Every Thug Needs A Lady
05. Clavicle
06. Mercy Me
07. The American Scream
08. We’ve Had Enough
09. Olde English 800
10. I Held Her In My Arms
11. Blue In The Face
12. I Remember A Rooftop
13. Private Eye
14. You’ve Got So Far To Go
15. Radio

So to the old songs three new ones have been added.

Personally I wouldn’t say „Calling all Skeletons“ or „American Scream“ are my favorites. But this is always depending on personal taste and I guess whatever songs they would have chosen there would always be someone complaining.

„American Scream“ was the biggest surprise for me musically. It was my least favorite song on „This Addiction“ and clearly developed one of the most beloved on „Damnesia“ as the way they re-arranged it is incredible and the piano suddenly made me feel the song, which I couldn’t beforehand.

The three new songs (one of them being a cover) are fun to listen to and so I’m absolutely happy with that new record!

Thanks to the band for sticking around so long! Hope to see you on a regular basis in the next 15 years!