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“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.
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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.
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Alice in chains unplugged rooster 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.
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Certainly Kiss’ instalment is up there, and so is Alice in Chains’.
Alice in chains unplugged rooster series#
MTV’s Unplugged series is responsible for some of the best live albums you’ll find. ALICE IN CHAINS – MTV Unplugged (1996 Sony)
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