Alter the Ending

Audio Mixer: Joe Zook.
Recording information: Bieler Bros, Pompano Beach, FL; Hit Factory, Miami, FL; Ruby Red, Santa Monica, CA; Stratosphere Sound, NYC.
Photographer: James Minchin III.
Other musicians have rounded out its lineup from time to time, but Dashboard Confessional has always been the brainchild of Chris Carrabba, the most sensitive raven-haired rocker this side of Morrissey. Like Morrissey, Carrabba has built a career on heartbreak; unlike Morrissey, he's never had a band as cohesive as the Smiths to round out his songs, resulting in a discography that vacillates between acoustic albums and full-band affairs. 2009's Alter the Ending belongs to the latter camp, with Carrabba performing his pop anthems alongside a three-person backing band. Although the songs are as hook-laden as they've always been, fans of the singer's more intimate side may prefer the deluxe edition, which includes a bonus disc comprising acoustic versions of the entire track list. ~ Andrew Leahey