Alice In Chains is in the top 2 of my favorite bands of all time list. I thought today would be a good day to rank their albums from not the best to their best.
SAP:
Black Gives Way To Blue:
The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here:
Alice In Chains:
Facelift:
Jar Of Flies:
Dirt:
By: Brian Lacy
Happy Birthday Layne Staley.
Alice In Chains-Nutshell: From MTV Unplugged
Mad Season- Wake Up: Live At The Moore 1995
As it has been said before 1994 was beyond a great year for music. Riding high (no pun intended) off their masterpiece Dirt, Alice In Chains gathered in London Bridge Studio in Seattle, in September of 1993, just to see what they could come up with. A week later they had another gem on their hands. One of the most interesting things about Jar Of Flies was that they band never intended to release it, but their record company heard it and truly enjoyed it. When it was released Jar Of Flies became the first E.P. to debut at number 1 on the billboard charts. Since it’s release the album has gone on to sell over four million copies. Jar Of Flies was also the first Alice record to have Mike Inez on it. Kicking off things is “Rotten Apple” a very dark and deep song that delves further into the mind of Layne Staley. Musically this song has such a great structure. Jerry Cantrell’s ending guitar solo is strange yet fits perfectly. “Nutshell” is one of the most soulful deep songs that the band has ever released. The vulnerability and sheer pain of Layne is very present in this song. “I Stay Away” again taps into the darkness that surrounds the band. One of the best things about this song is that it shows off Layne’s range as a singer. The string arrangement really adds something special to the song. “No Excuses” is one of the bands biggest hits and a more upbeat song. As an instrumental “Whale and Wasp” acts as a little segue in the flow of the album. “Don’t Follow” continues on the path of dark and deep while reaching further into the soul. “Swing On This” offers up a more blues driven feel that has a bit of a country twang to it.
This album has always been a go to for me after ending a night on my way home or if ever I was feeling low. There is something beyond genuine and unrelenting about this piece of work. Every aspect of this record is done with the utmost precision. The subtle drums of Sean Kinney, the sultry bass lines of Mike Inez, the slick guitar work by Jerry Cantrell, and Layne Staley pouring his heart out really make this a masterpiece all on its own. It’s hard to believe that this is now 20 years old, and how good it still will be for years to come,
By: Brian Lacy
It has been over 12 years since the death of Layne Staley. I was always more of an Alice In Chains fan than a Nirvana fan. So in 2002, when it was announced that Layne was dead, it hit me pretty hard. Over the years there have been many songs written about Layne, a few of which I’d like to share with you all, as well as the great MTV Unplugged performance. Layne had such a unique voice and wrote straight from the heart. His ability to connect with people through his pain and struggles, provided so much help to those in need. Layne is forever missed and never fogotten.
Alice In Chains: Black Gives Way To Blue
Pearl Jam: 4/20/02
Staind: Layne
Alice In Chains: MTV Unplugged
When you hear an album in its entirety it can change your life, set a mood, inspire and set you free. There are so many great albums that can do all that was mentioned. One that has always stood out with me since I first heard it many many years ago was Mad Season’s album Above. Comprised of Layne Staley (Vocals), Mike McCreedy (Guitars), Barrett Martin (Drums) and John Baker Sanders (Bass), there is not one thing that is wrong with this album. The performances are perfect. Musically it verges on blues and etherial bounds and reaches far beyond what anyone thought it would be. Vocally the honesty and melodies stay with you for eternity. Kicking off the album is “Wake Up” a sincere inner look at what Layne was going through and struggling with. The lyrics so personal and painful yet connects as a powerful message to anyone listening. “X-Ray Mind” has an amazing tribal drum intro that goes right into a sweeping bluesy riff that segways into a the crooning Staley’s distinctive voice. “River Of Deceit” is another song that is brilliant and is deep and personal. The way Layne sings, you the listener really can feel everything he is saying and the chills you get it unmistakable. “I’m Above” starts with a sweet mellowness that kicks into high gear with a crunchy blues riff, complimented by steady and sultry bass lines that are found on the entire record. “Artificial Red” is a simple blues song that has a sweet groove to it. “Lifeless Dead” and “I Don’t Know Anything” hit right away with another awesome dirty blues riff the is mixed with a drum beat that is behind the beat and a bass line that guides the song with powerful rhythm. “Long Gone Day” features Mark Lanegan on guest vocals. Mark and Layne have a perfect vocal balance and the pseudo duet is very haunting. The music behind the song is mellow and psychedelic, that send you on a deeper journey into your own mind. Closing out the album is “All Alone” a song that ventures into the more ambient and sedated of all the tracks, that slowly fades out at the end.
Recently, Above was re-released with an accompanying live album and DVD that shows just how amazing they truly were. There were also 3 new tracks released with it that feature Mark Lanegan on vocals. Sadly Mad Season lasted only one album. Barrett Martin is now playing in an exceptional band called Walking Papers, and Mike McCreedy is still playing with Pearl Jam. Layne has passed away as well as the very talented John Baker Sanders. They might not be here anymore but, the great thing is that this music and album live on. I can honestly put this album in my top 25 records of all time.
If you’ve never experienced this album you’ve missed out!
By: Brian Lacy
In honor of Jerry Cantrell’s birthday here are 2 from Alice In Chains:
Down In A Hole:
Them Bones:
I have a deep affinity for Layne Staley. He can make anything sound amazing. When this song was released in 1999 on The Faculty soundtrack I was blown away. Class of 99 was a short term supergroup consisting of Layne Staley (vocals), Tom Morello (guitar), Stephen Perkins (drums), Martyn LeNoble (bass) and Matt Serletic (keyboards). One can only imagine what an entire album would’ve sounded like had they made one.
Since the reformation of Alice In Chains, there have been many debates. The most common is that since Layne Staley is no longer with us they shouldn’t call it Alice In Chains. Another one is that William DuVall is no where near close to Layne. Granted I never got to see Alice In Chains with Layne, I have seen the new Alice In Chains 4 times. And let me tell you it is something special. Rather than try to be Layne, William pays tribute in a very meticulous way. His voice bellows over the music in a beautiful way. He is also the only one that has come close to complimenting Layne’s voice. There are moments during the show if you close your eyes and just focus on the music you can hear Layne. I know that sounds cheesy but it’s very true. In particular when Nutshell is played. William DuVall really gives it his all during every song. While the subject matter might not rully resonate with William, there are always different ways the songs meanings can be taken.
Their new music is something that also needs to be given a second chance. Many people won’t give it a listen. I know of a few people that are complete naysayers. Though after playing certain songs they’ve started to come around. The return album Black Gives Way To Blue was a wonderful sentimental album containing tributes to Layne and the content we’ve all come to expect from an Alice In Chains album. Songs like A Looking In View, Private Hell, Your Decision and the title track Black Gives Way To Blue really shine and capture the essence of the band, without compromise. The live performances during that time were quite special. The set lists were chock full of the great songs of the past with large sing alongs, and the new songs really striking the audience’s ears.
Alice In Chains most recent release The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here is almost a pick up where they left off musically from way back when their self titled album (or as some call it tripod) was released back in 1996. There are moments where the real classic Alice is summoned. Songs like Hollow, Stone, Scalpel, and Choke all have that feel to them. One of the most standout tracks is Phantom Limb, which was written primarily by William Duvall. The music on the song is pure Alice In Chains , and the lyrics have the emotional, raw take on life that Jerry and Layne were able to capture.
There is a reason that Alice In Chains came back. I honestly don’t think it was a cash grab. I really believe it’s because they still have something to say. They came back without compromising their artistic integrity or ability to write great songs. They have the written some of the best songs in the last 25 years and put out albums that are epic and real. Layne is undoubtably one of the best ever and will forever be recognized as so. The new Alice In Chains does every bit of justice as the old. Give it another chance and see what you’ve been missing.
By: Brian Lacy
AUDIOECLECTICA 