I know "A Good Day To Die" centers around his brother's suicide, but I'm pretty sure he killed himself when they were younger, not right before the album was recorded. Regardless, yes, it is one of the most depressing albums ever made.

I think they had bigger problems than just consolidation. Every record they made prior to Go Slow Down sounds like the year it was recorded--I don't know if it was the fault of the A&R goons at Slash or what, but they spent a good many years trying to shoehorn their sound into whatever trend was fashionable at the moment. Joe Dirt Car is an essential album if for no other reason than it liberates some wonderful songs from their misguided studio versions.

I envy you living in Madison. I spent some time in Wisconsin a few years ago and loved everything except their falsely advertising ice cream as "custard."