Alice In Chains
Alice In Chains did everything a Grunge group should do. They formed in the late '80s (in Seattle), landed a recording contract (Columbia Records), had drug problems (singer Layne Stanley's battle was documented or referred to in several songs), did an Unplugged set (in '96), a ballad ("No Excuses"), was their biggest pop hit and did a Lollapalooza tour ('93).
What Alice In Chains accomplished that was unique or a bit different included selling millions of EPs (Extended Play). Usually, EPs are either loaded with outtakes, second-rate material or used to provide a cheap introduction to a group. Alice In Chains' first release was the five song EP "We Die Young." But the EPs "Sap" and the seven song collection "Jars Of Flies" with "No Excuses" were both artistic and commercial successes. "Jars Of Flies" was recorded in seven days and had the distinction of being the only EP to ever top the Billboard album chart.
Their first full album, "Facelift," had "We Die Young." A live performance at Seattle's Moore Theatre became "Live Facelift" with the CD and film sold together. But their best full length CD was "Dirt," released in '92 with "Rooster" and "Would?" Following "Dirt" bassist Mike Starr left and was replaced by Mike Inez. With "Grind" leading the way "Alice In Chains" appeared in late '95. It went to #1 on the Billboard charts later that year. "Nothing Safe - Best of the Box" was in stores and doing on-line sales in '99.
Alice In Chain members had major outside projects. Stanley had the Gracy Gang with Pearl Jam's Mike McCready, among others. That group evolved into Mad Season. Guitarist Jerry Cantrell released a solo CD "Boggy Depot." The CD had both Kinney and Inez contributing. Cantrell also recorded "I've Seen All This World I Care To See" for the Willie Nelson tribute CD "Twisted Willie." For the same project drummer Sean Kinney recorded "Time of the Preacher" with Johnny Cash. Inez briefly did time in Slash's Snake Pit.
Alice In Chains touched all the bases. But given Layne Stanley's songs, so often reflecting his personal struggles, nothing was ever by the numbers.
"Music Bank" has demos (fun for fans), a live track, remixes, unplugged versions and "No Excuses." For the fan with limited resources the band was thoughtful enough to release "Nothing Safe-Best of the Box."
Listening to Alice In Chains it's evident that "Dirt" and the EP "Jar of Flies" are essential. On "Dirt," the group's hard-edged Grunge/Metallic sound hits home with "Would?" (which also found its way onto the "Singles" soundtrack), "Junkhead" and "Rooster." The "Jar of Flies" EP has "No Excuses" but it also has a lighter, more cohesive feeling.
"Alice In Chains" with "Grind," "Heaven Beside You" and "Brush Away" is another strong album. The unplugged set is for those who favor acoustic versions of Rock songs - namely the pop market.
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