A Guided Tour of Chicago by LAWRENCE ARMS

Some cynics would say, "No big deal it's just Brendan Kelley's sctrachy voice again with the same sounding punk in the band," but that is very far from the truth. This is Brendan's best band since the Slapstick days. The Lawrence Arms(named after an apartment complex in Chicago) have shown that they can play solid punk rock with their own twist. I'm not real sure how they pull it off but they somehow combine a heavy guitar with a rythm bass and fast drums while brendan is singing with a fast, melodic voice. They have made that original sound their own. With them being a local band, I am lucky to have the privelage of seeing them put on a good show frequently...they are definately a band to go check out live. An Evening of Extraordinary Circumstances is an amazing song and probably the best on the CD, but Kevin Costner's Casino takes a close second. Check it out for yourself and give it a try.

When I bought this cd, I'd never head of Slapstick or Broadways. I was at the record store and, unknowingly picked this cd, other than some of their better reviewed cd's. I didn't know what to expect, but I couldn't have been more impressed.The lyrics, mostly about their life in Chicago, frustrated with life, pissed at the cold weather, drinking, even how modernized the world's becoming. The Lawrence Arms wrote great lyrics dealing with every type of life experience, they left none of their feelings out of this album.Brendan's singing sounds great on the album. Not great as in he sings good, or the recordings are special, but his raspy voice kind of molds around the music, and his unique voice becomes a character itself, adds substance to his words.After buying the other Lawrence Arms albums, A Guided Tour of Chicago is the one I keep coming back to. What hit home for me was the lyrics add such a human aspect to a punk cd that you believe every word Brendan (and Chris on one track) sings, not like other plastic punk bands of today.The Lawrence Arms did a great job on this album, and I reccomend this to everyone.

This is still my favorite album by them and in my opinion one of the best albums I own. This band's live shows, and energy are spactacular. Just mix A whole lot of beer, some politics, laziness, technology, arguments, and cold weather and you get this album. Its just f-cking incredible. Buy it.

After hearing both Slapstick and the Broadways I had to have this CD. I have had it for a while know and I just can't get enough of it. The lyrics may not be as poltical as the broadways but they are still kickin with songs like Kevin Costner's Cassino and A guided Tour of Chicago. This is really a great CD and a must have for Broadways Fans. Peace and unity~ashley

I just got the cd last week.. i love it. i heard they just recorded again and it'll be out in april or may. this record is the best of any band that brendan kelly has been in. definately get it if you like slapstick or the broadways. word..