But Layne…he was something special that only happens once.ĪLICE IN CHAINS – Alice in Chains (1995 Columbia)Īlice in Chains (known colloquially as Tripod) is a difficult album. It is true that the band eventually found a way to carry on with William Duvall, and they have done so very well. “I just wanna hug you all!…but I’m not gonna,” he exclaims at the end. Listening to MTV Unplugged, you can’t help but miss Layne. It has never been recorded in the studio, which makes the unplugged show that much more special. Like many of their songs it has atonal qualities that make it a difficult pill to swallow. “Over Now”, however, is a blast.Īlice finished the set with a new song called “Killer is Me”. It is more about the atmosphere than the notes. For songs that were always challenging, “Frogs” is certainly one, and it is no less so unplugged. “Heaven Beside You” was always (largely) acoustic, but live it has a swagger. Even though the band hadn’t played live in ages, and despite Layne’s fragility, they were certainly as good as ever on MTV Unplugged.Ī cluster of new material lies on the back end. Layne absolutely wails on “Got Me Wrong” from Sap, and if you want intensity then check out “Would?”. Sean Kinney’s marching band style drums give a slight military feel. It’s a song about Jerry’s dad, a Vietnam vet. “Rooster” too is more peaceful, though an undercurrent of angst is always present. “Angry Chair” is one of Alice in Chains’ heaviest songs to hear it unplugged is strange but oddly appropriate. Layne clearly poured himself into the song. Though was well received, “Down in a Hole” from Dirt earns more shouts of familiarity. (The other four were opening for Kiss, who also had an Unplugged album in 1996.) “Sludge Factory” is a difficult song from a murky album. They played only five shows Unplugged was the first. Due to Layne’s health, Alice were unable to tour in ’95-’96. Right after a lil’ bit of “Enter Sandman”, Alice in Chains do the newbie “Sludge Factory” for the first time ever. “No Excuses” is perfect, and just listen to the percussion work of Sean Kinney!Ī number of album tracks, better known as heavy electric songs, are next. They could do multiple takes, but one of them has to be perfect. The big single from Jar of Flies, “No Excuses” rounds out this trio.
Their vocal blend was Alice’s most defining feature. “Brother” from Sap is next a showcase for the harmonies of Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell.
The eerie quiet of the audience only adds to the tension.
ALICE IN CHAINS MTV UNPLUGGED OFFICE FREE
For this show, Alice added guitarist Scott Olsen to free up Jerry Cantrell’s hands to solo. It sets a dark, quiet tone that follows through the whole album. “Nutshell” from Jar of Flies is a brilliant opener. Their Unplugged focuses on mellow(ish) moments from everything but their debut, Facelift. At least in the early days, you could count on an acoustic EP between electric albums. It’s somewhat strange that Alice’s first live album was an acoustic performance, but they have always been a two sided band. Certainly Kiss’ instalment is up there, and so is Alice in Chains’.
ALICE IN CHAINS MTV UNPLUGGED OFFICE SERIES
MTV’s Unplugged series is responsible for some of the best live albums you’ll find. If that happens here, we will line up Rainier Fog for a re-review.ĪLICE IN CHAINS – MTV Unplugged (1996 Sony) They exist and when they do, they often become favourites. Perhaps Rainer Fog is one of those albums that doesn’t click until the 100th listen. These foundations support a collection of well written songs. Riffs are constructed from the strongest mortar. Little guitar hooks snake in and out of verses, cool as hell. There are verses, choruses, melodies and all the accoutrements. Rainier Fog is terribly conventional by comparison with Dirt. Staley seemed to bring an unschooled approach, completely unafraid to make unconventional music. What’s the issue? Is it that we’ve heard all this before? Ever since the passing of Layne Staley, Alice In Chains lost that certain “fucked up” quality to their music. From there on, the songs are less memorable, with the exception of “Never Fade” which has a chorus that goes on for miles.
It’s also not the fault of the lead track, “The One You Know” which is a terrific starter. It’s not singer William Duvall - this is his third album with Alice In Chains, and he’s done an admirable job every time out. It’s hard to put a finger on exactly why Rainier Fog lacks the same impact. It’s especially disappointing since their last platter, 2013’s The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, was so crushingly perfect. Such is the case with the latest Alice In Chains, Rainier Fog. It’s always disappointing when you give a new album a fair shot, but it refuses to stay in your skull.
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