[quote name='bmachine']I thought "Calling All Skeletons" was a highlight, actually. Then again, I'm a sucker for anything with a clap-track.

I like the CD, I'm just not blown away by it...and I'm used to being blown away by Alkaline Trio.
Did you like Matt's side project, Heavens? I think that CD is pretty exceptional.
The acoustic bonus stuff is really solid...you can DL an acoustic version of "Love Love Kiss Kiss" from Amazon, too. I prefer that version of the song over the one on the disc.
I'm going to see them in NYC this weekend...perhaps hearing some of this stuff live will make it easier for me to appreciate it?[/quote]Yeah, I played the hell out of Heavens last spring/summer, great stuff, hope he makes more. I like Calling All Skeletons, it was just the initial surprise of the production that startled me. And I dig hand claps too, I just think if you put them in a record, it's got to be either in the middle or the end. You gotta build to the handclaps!
Seems like Matt's vocals have gone through 3 periods:
1. Goddamnit-Maybe I'll Catch Fire
2. From Here To Infirmary - Good Mourning "

ed Up Throat" era (moreso on Good Mourning than Infirmary)
3. Crimson - Agony and Irony Post-Production (moreso on Agony and Irony)
But yeah, like you said, "bad" Alkaline Trio is better than most stuff.