The Lawrence Arms [Cocktails & Dreams] © 2005 Asian Man Records“Cocktails & Dreams” is the long awaited B-sides release from Chicago’s The Lawrence Arms. The disc contains mostly tracks from now out-of-print split cd’s, however it isn’t just factory seconds and cans of creamed asparagus. There is an exclusive new song and 2 (count ‘em 1, 2) new versions of previously recorded material. Fans of the member’s former bands The Broadways and Slapstick will appreciate the melodic Chicago style punk rock. I know that I am pigeon-holing but the Chicago sound seems to be embodied by a quick paced (relatively) emo-laden punk. “Cocktails & Dreams” is 16 tracks of bittersweet melodies and cold grey weather anxiety. With songs about drinking, drinking too much, and not doing so in the future, cocktails and dreams is a must have for anyone that likes to sit in dimly lit rooms knocking back the last swig of malt liquor before finding their bottle of booze, all the while wondering where the hell this life is going to; Probably Pensacola.http://www.thelawrencearms.nethttp://www.asianmanrecords.com-Jerry Actually