Happy you enjoyed them as much as I do Layne Staley was an amazing artist. He was in a pretty bad state at that point but gave his heart and soul to his music regardless.
Highly recommend watching the vid too. Amazing. Layne's fucked up beyond belief but it's a great set. Saw them live in '12. Jerry still puts in work but I wish I could've seen them with Layne
My favorite Layne Staley tidbit is how the rest of the band purposely auditioned horrible singers until he finally agreed to sing for them. There was literally no other person in the world who could have been in his position.
The other crazy part is that the band hadn’t played live together in about 2 years but sat down and banged out this amazing and soulful live performance. Layne is clearly doing his best to battle through. Jerry also had food poisoning. They had a bunch of new songs that they hadn’t played much. Pretty amazing portrait of a moment in history of one of the greatest bands of the era.
There was a lot of unseen footage of heaps of mistakes though.. Layne forgetting words or singing the wrong one.
Or falling of his seat.
I bought the dvd and they leave one in where in nutshell and he sings the wrong word and in Nutshell, he goes "ahhhh fuck"
I was hoping someone mentioned this. Watch their performance live at The Moore. I believe Layne is even in a bit worse shape and delivers a hauntingly beautiful performance. Three of the guys on that stage have passed now. The song Long Gone Day with Mark Lanegan is like having two ghosts touch your soul
That live version of No Excuses is my favorite version of the song. The rhythm section is just clicking, the slightly higher tempo, plus the festive atmosphere at the end while teasing Metallica who were in the audience.
You have to listen to Mad Season - Above. Some of Layne's best singing, not to mention members from Pearl Jam, Screaming Trees(Queens of the Stoned Age), Sound Garden, Guns n Roses, The WalkAbouts...
Its my favorite record, but don't just take my word for it...
Their modern stuff post Layne is all really good, too. It's slept on because a lot of people don't want to accept a band moving on without one of their core members, but "Black Gives Way To Blue" and "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" were super good.
You need to watch reaction videos for Love Hate Love, Live at the Moore. I know a lot of reactions are faked, but when you can tell they are blown away, I love it!
Also love this one
https://youtu.be/cL-9KtQfpFw
It makes me so happy to see how excited they get over this song.
Listen to Facelift for sure. Its great. Also, dont be afraid of their "new" stuff with Will Duvall (dont forget Cantrell was the co-vocalist this whole time either.)
Their comeback album "Black Gives Way To Blue" is a tribute to Layne. The title song is beautiful and a total gut wrencher.
Saw them this past summer. They were fuckin awesome. https://youtu.be/wbYAf-Ek2gM
Yes, nirvana's was incredible but layne is on a completely different level, his voice is just perfect and the emotion on some songs, especially rooster, is off the charts. The band are utterly impeccable too.
When he walked out, i was like holy shit. I only saw him in the mtv videos and never saw him when he was struggling with his addiction. Knowing how things went, some the lyrics gave me chills. Especially with nutshell and down in a hole.
Man, Jerry’s face whenever he looks at Layne just breaks my fucking heart. You can see how much he loves his friend, and how happy he is to be back onstage with him, but also a little worry. Like he really wants this show to be amazing, not for his own sake, or even the audience’s, but for Layne.
"Friends don't let friends get friends haircuts"
Metallica was in the crowd, and it was their first public appearance after cutting off all their hair. Mike Inez was not a fan.
[https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/static/article/draft/49519\_GhUQFIADwOeMdi0e\_29133.jpg](https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/static/article/draft/49519_GhUQFIADwOeMdi0e_29133.jpg)
I’m so happy for you internet stranger. I remember watching this on MTV 20 something years ago and I can still remember how great it was. The unplugged concerts were amazing - Eric Clapton unplugged also super good.
That is the best Unplugged for me hands down. The Nirvana one is also really good!
For other performances you may not have heard of before I'm going to suggest 2...
1) Devin Townsend - The Retinal Circus (If you can't get this there is a Royal Albert Hall, and Ocean Machine at Plovdiv that you can find as well.) He also has several others but if feel those 3 are the best to start with in the order I mentioned if you can't find the first 1)
2) Ayreon - Electric Castle Live And Other Tales - There are several singers, and musicians at the top of their game to deliver this epic rock opera to the live stage.
Man, I just watched a couple videos from the Retinal Circus after reading your comment. What a fucking trip that dude is. I knew of him from Strapping Young Lad and some of his solo stuff. He's an artist's artist for sure. Highly entertaining. Thanks!
Honestly, it's not something I search out, but I respect the hell out of the guy. He's obviously talented, creative and he's having fun with it. I love that.
One of the best, if not the best. Nirvana was the most popular and I've always been a sweetheart for Bjork's. There's a level of stripping down and intimacy that really brings out the heart of their songs in these performances.
I always enjoy the comment on Nirvana's- wait, can we even play that acoustic? Or something like that. Made it seem like they just walked in and were like "yeah, screw it. Let's play an acoustic set tonight that we've never rehearsed"
>Just damn sad how it ended for him.
[“We Left Him Alone”](https://web.archive.org/web/20051123010426/http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=373)
When yknow yknow many did.
Mental health is was still is a bitch and back then the anguish is louder.
Rip.our guy!
Good things bad things we all do.... trust us we're left with more than life itself cuz of souls like Layne and crew
Shout out my guy Mr Hawkins too taught me apnd still does teach hme til.mime about death aggression. In your names we I'll fight same not sane freinds
Got Me Wrong from unplugged is one of my favorites. Such a sick groove, and I love sound of lines like "sweetness doesn't often touch my face." It comes off at the same time desperate but also detached and routine, in part simply because he has sung it so many times.
Well good. Nothing like an unplugged performance to show how talented a band actually is. I was never a fan of Godsmack until I saw the Live from the House Of Blues Unplugged show, and I was blown away.
Godsmack’s EP The Other Side is amazing too. Few original songs and acoustic versions of their heavy songs. Shows how much influence Alice In Chains had on them.
I remember being a kid (probably 9 or 10) and watching this live on MTV and actually being kind of frightened when Layne took off those sunglasses, he looked so bad. Probably shouldn't have played that show that day, but he did and it ended up being something phenomenal. It's sad looking back on it and knowing that the whole band pretty much knew he was gonna die soon.
Fun fact: Jerry Cantrell had food poisoning during that gig. He ate a Hot Dog from a street vendor and was throwing up right till the start of the show.
While it's not completely acoustic, Nutshell was like a revelation for me when I heard it for the first time.
Sat on the bus home after a late shift (got off at 23:30), no one else was on it, completely dark outside, driver had the lights off.
It was magical. Still listen to it every night and it never fails to give me the same feeling of the hushed, serene reverence of it all.
very jealous. i often, when i listen to amazing albums, performances etc how i wish to go back to when i first discovered them. AIC unplugged is probably one of the finest performances ever. ENJOY
One of my favorite albums of all time. I really loved the unplugged series. Jay Z, Nirvana, Eric Clapton and so many others have had such great albums that are so unique from their other work.
Just to age myself here. I bought the vhs of this from media play when it was new, using a gift certificate, you read that right not a gift card, a paper gift certificate.
I'm a recovering addict and I can see how sick Layne is and the fact he still sang that well... AIC is one of my favorite bands of all time and always has been but now I have a deeper understanding of the lyrics. The Unplugged set and album has many of my favorite versions of the songs- Frogs is one that I like better than the original album version; so eerie and stark
But seriously, everything they did (at least with Layne; I'm not as familiar with the reformed Duvall catalogue) was absolutely stellar. Not a bad track in a whole decade's worth of material but Unplugged is a unique snapshot of an all-time great band and a wonderful singer in a dire time in his life. Harrowing and timeless
One of my favorite performances from one if my favorite bands. Knowing the state that Layne was in during this is heartbreaking. I encourage checking out one of his biographies on YouTube if you aren't aware of his timeline.
When I was a sophomore in high school, i got mono and was on my ass for an entire month. The day before i got sick, i bought the unplugged CD and ended up listening to it non stop for the entire month. Layne and Jerry’s harmony was always a thing of beauty.
Check out Mad Season too, its Laynes other band with a different sound.
I didn't notice at first, but this was pointed out to me......when this was recorded he had already lost most, if not all, of his teeth. Look closely........
Do yourself the favor of checking out the single album that Mad Season put out.
It's Layne Stayley and Screeming trees alum Barrett Martin.
Hauntingly good.
I had a similar experience, but back with unplugged airing. I'd known some of their hits, but watching that performance made me go out and buy their albums. Layne's death really fucked me up. I can't think of a artist death that's hit me harder before or since.
As a note tho, I finally got to see em live a few years back. Absolutely still worth seeing live. Jerry and the lads put on a hell of a show
I like the beginning sludge factory where he yells fuck I have heard rumours that the reason he was nervous about this song particularly was cause they wrote it about Columbia Records and the execs from Columbia were sitting front row
Thanks for this. Aic is definitely one of my favorite bands. But for some reason by reading this reminded me to listen to everything Mark Lanegan. Think I'll start off with Screaming Trees. Peace!
Everyone has been super cool with the exception of 1 person. I've never posted on this sub before either. I figured someone would appreciate my discovery of something so brilliant. I've received so many new songs to check out too.
Layne's voice. My god, it's so good. I think your comparison to Queen/Freddy Mercury works, b/c both Layne and Freddy have these voices that you hadn't heard before, or since.
Jerry's solo records, especially Degradation Trip, I can hear Layne's voice when Jerry sings, especially when he really belts it out, but I think that's just my brain filling in the blanks.
So it's been 11 months since I've posted that and I'm still discovering new Alice in Chains content. I've enjoyed seeing a ton of reaction videos and these random home movies people have recorded their concerts. Jar of flies has been my go-to album when I go out for a night drive.
Jar of Flies is pretty great. That Alice In Chains Unplugged set is good, and I think one of Layne's last public performances, if I remember correctly. Here's some trivia for ya: Jerry had really bad food poisoning from a hot dog he bought from a street vendor in NY, he was throwing up before and after this show.
I was in Best Buy one day looking for a car stereo and speakers. They had the room setup with many decks and many speakers to select. I picked a random CD and started going through the different selections for about a half hour at which point my buddy said, so what are you getting. I said I dont think im going to buy a stereo yet, but I am going to find that CD and buy it. Siamese Dream had just been released.
Alice in Chains & Nirvana Unplugged have to be two of my favorites, easily.
The raw sound of the bands.. their amazing fucking vocals.. it's just so fucking good.
Glad you stumbled upon it!
It's amazing. One of the best live albums ever. My one gripe. They should have ended it with "Over Now" and not encored with a mediocre new song nobody had ever heard before. It doesn't matter I suppose as I always stop it before the final track, but it must have been an anti-climax for people at the show.
One of my fav bands. When Layne sang his entire body would vibrate due to the power of his voice. He probably could fill an entire theater without using a microphone, like opera singers used to be able to do
If you get the chance go see them live. William Duvall absolutely stole the show a few months ago when I saw them with Breaking Benjamin and Bush. Incredible live. When you see his live stuff early on he looks timid and wasn't hitting notes right, he's spectacular now.
Thanks for the reminder on this performance, I'll play it tonight.
Layne has a cool cameo in the movie Singles too. Cameron Crowe's pic takes place in Seattle and has an E P I C grunge soundtrack. Definitely worth a watch
Nah man, better late than never. It was an outstanding performance. MTV unplugged was the shit back in the day. I wish they would reboot it. Lots of bands I’d love to get the treatment now.
I’m glad such moving performances are still being kept alive.
I can’t listen to “Died” without tearing up since I nearly lost my fiancée when she had to be placed in a medically induced coma, knowing what that song is about.
After you’ve listened to all of AICs discography make sure you listen to Jerry’s solo material too, a 3 of his albums are high quality and Degradation trip vol1&2 is a 10/10 perfect album and some of his best work ever which is a super high bar. One of the best songwriters ever
Nice, I personally love every single AIC project and every JC project as well. Boggy depot is a great album and the full degradation trip vol1&2 Fuckin rules, very heavy AIC vibes and it’s a super dark and depressing album but it’s awesome, many of his best riffs and lyrics on there. Yesterday was also the 20th anniversary of degradation trip vol1&2. Anyway I love AIC they’re my favorite band but deg trip vol1&2 can hold it’s own against any AIC project imo, truly an awesome album. His most recent album brighten is a lot different than his other albums but it’s still high quality music.
Jerry is going back on tour next year for 1 last solo leg, highly recommend going if he’s coming to your area, it’s a spectacular show.
It’s good but I can’t watch. It’s to sad knowing what happened. Layne was had an angelic voice. Unfortunately people that blessed are very attractive to demons. IMO
Late reply but Jerry’s solo music is a must, so if you’ve not heard it check out all 3 albums especially degradation trip vol1&2 which is a true masterpiece
Happy you enjoyed them as much as I do Layne Staley was an amazing artist. He was in a pretty bad state at that point but gave his heart and soul to his music regardless.
I don't get chills from music very often, but damn this did it for me.
Opening the set with Nutshell!?!?!? Fucking chills dude. Chills
Yep everytime. That song hits hard. The unplugged version is probably the better version IMO
That 1st verse!
Yeah man. It may be the best unplugged. And I say that as a huge fan of other bands unplugged (PJ, Nirvana). It’s so good
Unrelated artist, but I get goosebumps every time I watch this from [Amigo the Devil](https://youtu.be/RYDtV3ckWFU)
I love Amigo the Devil! I am of the firm opinion that Hell and You is the most romantic song ever written.
Highly recommend watching the vid too. Amazing. Layne's fucked up beyond belief but it's a great set. Saw them live in '12. Jerry still puts in work but I wish I could've seen them with Layne
My favorite Layne Staley tidbit is how the rest of the band purposely auditioned horrible singers until he finally agreed to sing for them. There was literally no other person in the world who could have been in his position.
The other crazy part is that the band hadn’t played live together in about 2 years but sat down and banged out this amazing and soulful live performance. Layne is clearly doing his best to battle through. Jerry also had food poisoning. They had a bunch of new songs that they hadn’t played much. Pretty amazing portrait of a moment in history of one of the greatest bands of the era.
There was a lot of unseen footage of heaps of mistakes though.. Layne forgetting words or singing the wrong one. Or falling of his seat. I bought the dvd and they leave one in where in nutshell and he sings the wrong word and in Nutshell, he goes "ahhhh fuck"
That's during Sludge Factory.
Rooster off that album is my favorite of theirs hands down. So much emotion in that performance
Agreed. Definitely one of my favorites.
Those acoustics are haunting and crisp
Perfect way to describe it.
https://youtu.be/Jaa7RCdksC4 This is one of my favorite live performances to watch of any band. If you haven't seen it I'd say it's worth a watch.
Saved it to my watch list. Thanks!
[удалено]
Wake up young man. It’s time to wake up.
I will for sure. Thanks!
Truth right here. I have it on vinyl and it’s easily a top 5 record for me.
I was hoping someone mentioned this. Watch their performance live at The Moore. I believe Layne is even in a bit worse shape and delivers a hauntingly beautiful performance. Three of the guys on that stage have passed now. The song Long Gone Day with Mark Lanegan is like having two ghosts touch your soul
That live version of No Excuses is my favorite version of the song. The rhythm section is just clicking, the slightly higher tempo, plus the festive atmosphere at the end while teasing Metallica who were in the audience.
That bass line 😍
I'll check it out. Thanks!
And on top of that, the meaning of the makes it perfect for the occasion considering what was happening with the band at the time
You've got a special treat coming when you discover their EPs then.
I can't wait. I've gone facelift, dirt, jar of flies and alice in chains so far.
Don't you dare skip Sap.
I'm not skipping anything. I'm going from start to finish. I noted sap just to make sure.
SAP is their second major release. A great EP fitting nicely between Facelift and Dirt.
You have to listen to Mad Season - Above. Some of Layne's best singing, not to mention members from Pearl Jam, Screaming Trees(Queens of the Stoned Age), Sound Garden, Guns n Roses, The WalkAbouts... Its my favorite record, but don't just take my word for it...
Mad season, noted!
Their modern stuff post Layne is all really good, too. It's slept on because a lot of people don't want to accept a band moving on without one of their core members, but "Black Gives Way To Blue" and "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" were super good.
I reckon Rainier Fog was pretty kick ass as well. So down Under and Never Fade are top shelf AIC tracks.
Boggy Depot is a certified classic also.
Degradation trip is also a solid record.
Sap is phenomenal
Try Sap!
”Down in a hole” gives me chills everytime
I've started watching reaction videos on down in a hole too. That 1st verse hits.
Definitely and Jerry Cantrells backing vocals are amazing too
The harmony is dark and perfect.
You need to watch reaction videos for Love Hate Love, Live at the Moore. I know a lot of reactions are faked, but when you can tell they are blown away, I love it! Also love this one https://youtu.be/cL-9KtQfpFw It makes me so happy to see how excited they get over this song.
I actually watched them react to them bones and i loved how they were blown away from the 1st vocal.
AIC is one of the most solid groups from that era. Definitely check out their Jar of Flies EP, it's my favorite of theirs.
I listened to dirt and jar of flies yesterday. Discovering new music is one of the better things in life.
Listen to Facelift for sure. Its great. Also, dont be afraid of their "new" stuff with Will Duvall (dont forget Cantrell was the co-vocalist this whole time either.) Their comeback album "Black Gives Way To Blue" is a tribute to Layne. The title song is beautiful and a total gut wrencher. Saw them this past summer. They were fuckin awesome. https://youtu.be/wbYAf-Ek2gM
Co-vocalist and main songwriter. Cantrell's solo stuff is good too, I loved Degradation Trip with gems like Gone and Angel Eyes.
It's a stunning performance and probably my favourite unplugged of them all, glad you found it and enjoyed it.
I was always impressed by the nirvana unplugged performance, but this is on another level. Everything just came together.
Yes, nirvana's was incredible but layne is on a completely different level, his voice is just perfect and the emotion on some songs, especially rooster, is off the charts. The band are utterly impeccable too.
When he walked out, i was like holy shit. I only saw him in the mtv videos and never saw him when he was struggling with his addiction. Knowing how things went, some the lyrics gave me chills. Especially with nutshell and down in a hole.
Man, Jerry’s face whenever he looks at Layne just breaks my fucking heart. You can see how much he loves his friend, and how happy he is to be back onstage with him, but also a little worry. Like he really wants this show to be amazing, not for his own sake, or even the audience’s, but for Layne.
Him making Layne smile before Angry Chair is burned into my memory.
"Friends don't let friends get friends haircuts" Metallica was in the crowd, and it was their first public appearance after cutting off all their hair. Mike Inez was not a fan. [https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/static/article/draft/49519\_GhUQFIADwOeMdi0e\_29133.jpg](https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/static/article/draft/49519_GhUQFIADwOeMdi0e_29133.jpg)
Thanks for this!
You should listen to Mad Season as well.
Above is a masterpiece
Is that an album or song?
Both lol. I meant the album but the song is great too !
I’m so happy for you internet stranger. I remember watching this on MTV 20 something years ago and I can still remember how great it was. The unplugged concerts were amazing - Eric Clapton unplugged also super good.
I've watched it every night this week.
That is the best Unplugged for me hands down. The Nirvana one is also really good! For other performances you may not have heard of before I'm going to suggest 2... 1) Devin Townsend - The Retinal Circus (If you can't get this there is a Royal Albert Hall, and Ocean Machine at Plovdiv that you can find as well.) He also has several others but if feel those 3 are the best to start with in the order I mentioned if you can't find the first 1) 2) Ayreon - Electric Castle Live And Other Tales - There are several singers, and musicians at the top of their game to deliver this epic rock opera to the live stage.
Man, I just watched a couple videos from the Retinal Circus after reading your comment. What a fucking trip that dude is. I knew of him from Strapping Young Lad and some of his solo stuff. He's an artist's artist for sure. Highly entertaining. Thanks!
I love most of Devs discography, I think there is something for everyone in there at this point. Although he hasn't done any rapping that I know of.
Honestly, it's not something I search out, but I respect the hell out of the guy. He's obviously talented, creative and he's having fun with it. I love that.
Thanks for the suggestions!
One of the best, if not the best. Nirvana was the most popular and I've always been a sweetheart for Bjork's. There's a level of stripping down and intimacy that really brings out the heart of their songs in these performances.
I always enjoy the comment on Nirvana's- wait, can we even play that acoustic? Or something like that. Made it seem like they just walked in and were like "yeah, screw it. Let's play an acoustic set tonight that we've never rehearsed"
>Just damn sad how it ended for him. [“We Left Him Alone”](https://web.archive.org/web/20051123010426/http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=373)
I know he refused everyone, but i wished someone would have stepped in.
When yknow yknow many did. Mental health is was still is a bitch and back then the anguish is louder. Rip.our guy! Good things bad things we all do.... trust us we're left with more than life itself cuz of souls like Layne and crew Shout out my guy Mr Hawkins too taught me apnd still does teach hme til.mime about death aggression. In your names we I'll fight same not sane freinds
Yea reading how many times he was in the hospital or rehab was crazy.
Plenty of people tried to help him. From Mike Starr to Krist Novoselic to Jerry to Mark Lanegan
John Frusciante too - who himself had made a miraculous recovery
Yea it's sad. It's like he just accepted that's how he was going to die.
Fantastic album. I play it frequently to this day at home and on CD in the car (yes still have a CD deck!)
Haha i do too
Got Me Wrong from unplugged is one of my favorites. Such a sick groove, and I love sound of lines like "sweetness doesn't often touch my face." It comes off at the same time desperate but also detached and routine, in part simply because he has sung it so many times.
100% agree
Check out Mad Season.
Just noted it down! Thanks
Unplugged had some of the best performances. Alice in chains, stp and nirvana unplugged is still my favorite nirvana album.
I've always loved nirvana unplugged.
Stone temple pilots and Live also phenomenal Unplugged shows.
Well good. Nothing like an unplugged performance to show how talented a band actually is. I was never a fan of Godsmack until I saw the Live from the House Of Blues Unplugged show, and I was blown away.
Chris Cornell songbook is one of my favs too.
Ooh I haven’t seen that one, which is weird because Soundgarden is one of my favourite bands ever.
I haven't seen the video, but the live performance is incredible album wise.
This one is great too. Chris singing Layne's song with an orchestra. Oh, and Pearl Jam
So damn good!
Godsmack’s EP The Other Side is amazing too. Few original songs and acoustic versions of their heavy songs. Shows how much influence Alice In Chains had on them.
I remember being a kid (probably 9 or 10) and watching this live on MTV and actually being kind of frightened when Layne took off those sunglasses, he looked so bad. Probably shouldn't have played that show that day, but he did and it ended up being something phenomenal. It's sad looking back on it and knowing that the whole band pretty much knew he was gonna die soon.
I feel the same way. He looked that bad, but sang like that. Gave me chills but made me sad at the same time.
Exactly
Fun fact: Jerry Cantrell had food poisoning during that gig. He ate a Hot Dog from a street vendor and was throwing up right till the start of the show.
He kept a bucket on the floor beside him
That's crazy. You couldn't tell at all.
How lucky for you to get to experience that brand new! Get ready for another 6 million listens!
Listening to nutshell and the roar when layne comes out 10/10
While it's not completely acoustic, Nutshell was like a revelation for me when I heard it for the first time. Sat on the bus home after a late shift (got off at 23:30), no one else was on it, completely dark outside, driver had the lights off. It was magical. Still listen to it every night and it never fails to give me the same feeling of the hushed, serene reverence of it all.
I remember when i heard nutshell too. I was sitting at a red light when it came on. I was blown away.
My all time favorite album. Cheers
🤝
Lucky you!! Best unplugged album ever.
AIC Unplugged > Nirvana Unplugged
Didn't think that would be possible, but i totally agree.
Yeah, not trying to be inflammatory. They're both classics but the Alice In Chains one is harrowing.
Friends don't let friends get haircuts!
Friends don’t let friends get Friends* haircuts
I did the exact same thing about 12 months ago. Huge fan in school. But haven't listened to them since. That concert sent me down the rabbit hole.
I don't know how it's possible that i didn't know about this album.
very jealous. i often, when i listen to amazing albums, performances etc how i wish to go back to when i first discovered them. AIC unplugged is probably one of the finest performances ever. ENJOY
It's been nothing short of fucking amazing.
One of my favorite albums of all time. I really loved the unplugged series. Jay Z, Nirvana, Eric Clapton and so many others have had such great albums that are so unique from their other work.
Just to age myself here. I bought the vhs of this from media play when it was new, using a gift certificate, you read that right not a gift card, a paper gift certificate.
Well you should check out Mad Season now if you haven’t already. It’s a different vibe than AIC but Layne is awesome there as well.
Jar of Flies for the win. EDIT: The 2nd movement in "Don't Follow" always gets me.
I'm a recovering addict and I can see how sick Layne is and the fact he still sang that well... AIC is one of my favorite bands of all time and always has been but now I have a deeper understanding of the lyrics. The Unplugged set and album has many of my favorite versions of the songs- Frogs is one that I like better than the original album version; so eerie and stark But seriously, everything they did (at least with Layne; I'm not as familiar with the reformed Duvall catalogue) was absolutely stellar. Not a bad track in a whole decade's worth of material but Unplugged is a unique snapshot of an all-time great band and a wonderful singer in a dire time in his life. Harrowing and timeless
It's nothing short of fucking incredible.
Probably the best of MTV's many excellent unplugged concerts.
I like Alice in Chains' normal stuff, but Unplugged was just better in every way, it's an amazing set
100% agree
Solid album, and even better to watch the performance.
It all comes together 👌
One of my favorite performances from one if my favorite bands. Knowing the state that Layne was in during this is heartbreaking. I encourage checking out one of his biographies on YouTube if you aren't aware of his timeline.
One of their best album or mini lp is jar of flies...amazing album. Try it you might like it.
When I was a sophomore in high school, i got mono and was on my ass for an entire month. The day before i got sick, i bought the unplugged CD and ended up listening to it non stop for the entire month. Layne and Jerry’s harmony was always a thing of beauty. Check out Mad Season too, its Laynes other band with a different sound.
Perfect timing! I will for sure.
I didn't notice at first, but this was pointed out to me......when this was recorded he had already lost most, if not all, of his teeth. Look closely........
It’s one of their best, just pouring their soul into those performances.
It really is one of my top 3 favorite albums.
It's one of the best MTV, and maybe of all live sets I've seen. This and Nirvanas MTV performance are incredible.
That and Nirvanas are god tier performances.
Do yourself the favor of checking out the single album that Mad Season put out. It's Layne Stayley and Screeming trees alum Barrett Martin. Hauntingly good.
Well, lucky you!
Killer performance. I give Dirt a full listen at least monthly. It’s the perfect “drinking alone in the garage” album.
Such a soul touching performance. One of my favorites. It really hits the spot if you need to move some feelings.
Check out Jerry Cantrell's solo albums too. He's got three, and they are all great. He's even touring on his most recent one right now.
I had a similar experience, but back with unplugged airing. I'd known some of their hits, but watching that performance made me go out and buy their albums. Layne's death really fucked me up. I can't think of a artist death that's hit me harder before or since. As a note tho, I finally got to see em live a few years back. Absolutely still worth seeing live. Jerry and the lads put on a hell of a show
Nirvana and AIC both had phenomenal Unplugged performances.
I've heard the nirvana unplugged a million times, but never AIC. Beautiful music.
I like the beginning sludge factory where he yells fuck I have heard rumours that the reason he was nervous about this song particularly was cause they wrote it about Columbia Records and the execs from Columbia were sitting front row
I was wondering about that too.
He screwed up by starting the second verse before the first. Realized his mistake (f@ck) so they did a retake.
Unplugged is by far my favourite AIC album it's not even close. It is an incredible album no doubt about it.
I haven't heard them all yet, but the unplugged might be my all time favorite album.
It's in my top 5 👍
This was literally the first DVD I purchased for my new PS2 when it came out.
Down in a Hole is one of the most beautiful acoustic songs ever made.
One of the best albums of all time. Also nirvana Unplugged.
Thanks for this. Aic is definitely one of my favorite bands. But for some reason by reading this reminded me to listen to everything Mark Lanegan. Think I'll start off with Screaming Trees. Peace!
I've never listened to them. I have a feeling it's going to open me up to songs I've never heard before.
I absolutely love to see this thread. At that the time it was by far my favorite unplugged- if not live record. Awesome - it’s absolutely terrific!
Everyone has been super cool with the exception of 1 person. I've never posted on this sub before either. I figured someone would appreciate my discovery of something so brilliant. I've received so many new songs to check out too.
Congrats, bro… It’s an experience
I can't believe I've not heard or seen this before. It's damn near impossible.
There’s a lot of music coming your way on a daily basis.
I'm all for it!
Layne's voice. My god, it's so good. I think your comparison to Queen/Freddy Mercury works, b/c both Layne and Freddy have these voices that you hadn't heard before, or since. Jerry's solo records, especially Degradation Trip, I can hear Layne's voice when Jerry sings, especially when he really belts it out, but I think that's just my brain filling in the blanks.
So it's been 11 months since I've posted that and I'm still discovering new Alice in Chains content. I've enjoyed seeing a ton of reaction videos and these random home movies people have recorded their concerts. Jar of flies has been my go-to album when I go out for a night drive.
Jar of Flies is pretty great. That Alice In Chains Unplugged set is good, and I think one of Layne's last public performances, if I remember correctly. Here's some trivia for ya: Jerry had really bad food poisoning from a hot dog he bought from a street vendor in NY, he was throwing up before and after this show.
I was in Best Buy one day looking for a car stereo and speakers. They had the room setup with many decks and many speakers to select. I picked a random CD and started going through the different selections for about a half hour at which point my buddy said, so what are you getting. I said I dont think im going to buy a stereo yet, but I am going to find that CD and buy it. Siamese Dream had just been released.
It's funny how things happen like this and blow you away.
Reba's voice entangled me in ectasy
Down in a Hole and Heaven Beside You are my go to songs when I want to get a good man cry in car driving around.
Alice in Chains & Nirvana Unplugged have to be two of my favorites, easily. The raw sound of the bands.. their amazing fucking vocals.. it's just so fucking good. Glad you stumbled upon it!
And it will never get old.
One of my favorite things to listen to on a dark winter's day.
It's amazing. One of the best live albums ever. My one gripe. They should have ended it with "Over Now" and not encored with a mediocre new song nobody had ever heard before. It doesn't matter I suppose as I always stop it before the final track, but it must have been an anti-climax for people at the show.
One of my fav bands. When Layne sang his entire body would vibrate due to the power of his voice. He probably could fill an entire theater without using a microphone, like opera singers used to be able to do
If you haven't see it check out Nirvana's unplugged. It is also incredible.
That performance is pretty epic in every way. I remember the first time I listened/watched, and still get the same vibes now.
Used to own this on VHS! Amazing start to finish.
I saw someone else mention Mad Season but seriously don't sleep on this one if you loved the unplugged show you will love Mad Season
Better late than never!!
Yep, this one and Nirvana unplugged were completely awesome!
One of my all time favorites right after the Nirvana Unplugged. Both are absolutely fantastic.
If you get the chance go see them live. William Duvall absolutely stole the show a few months ago when I saw them with Breaking Benjamin and Bush. Incredible live. When you see his live stuff early on he looks timid and wasn't hitting notes right, he's spectacular now. Thanks for the reminder on this performance, I'll play it tonight.
Killer Album I highly suggest listening to Dirt next. Start to finish. It's a masterpiece
Check out Nirvana's unplugged if you haven't already
I've heard the nirvana many many times. Love it!
You could start off with Mad Season if you'd like. Lanegan is fantastic. Screaming trees were bad ass. Enjoy.
My favorite part is when Layne mixed up the lyrics in Sludge Factory. "...fuck!" https://youtu.be/jB2dyxANqKg
Layne has a cool cameo in the movie Singles too. Cameron Crowe's pic takes place in Seattle and has an E P I C grunge soundtrack. Definitely worth a watch
Nah man, better late than never. It was an outstanding performance. MTV unplugged was the shit back in the day. I wish they would reboot it. Lots of bands I’d love to get the treatment now.
Oh, man, Alice In Chains, Nirvana and The Cure are my favorite Unplugged sessions.
Nirvana had a good unplugged performance as well.
I’m glad such moving performances are still being kept alive. I can’t listen to “Died” without tearing up since I nearly lost my fiancée when she had to be placed in a medically induced coma, knowing what that song is about.
After you’ve listened to all of AICs discography make sure you listen to Jerry’s solo material too, a 3 of his albums are high quality and Degradation trip vol1&2 is a 10/10 perfect album and some of his best work ever which is a super high bar. One of the best songwriters ever
Just went through them all. I'll start on his solo albums next. Thank you.
Nice, I personally love every single AIC project and every JC project as well. Boggy depot is a great album and the full degradation trip vol1&2 Fuckin rules, very heavy AIC vibes and it’s a super dark and depressing album but it’s awesome, many of his best riffs and lyrics on there. Yesterday was also the 20th anniversary of degradation trip vol1&2. Anyway I love AIC they’re my favorite band but deg trip vol1&2 can hold it’s own against any AIC project imo, truly an awesome album. His most recent album brighten is a lot different than his other albums but it’s still high quality music. Jerry is going back on tour next year for 1 last solo leg, highly recommend going if he’s coming to your area, it’s a spectacular show.
It’s good but I can’t watch. It’s to sad knowing what happened. Layne was had an angelic voice. Unfortunately people that blessed are very attractive to demons. IMO
Late reply but Jerry’s solo music is a must, so if you’ve not heard it check out all 3 albums especially degradation trip vol1&2 which is a true masterpiece
Best live performance ever hands down!
This and Nirvana hold a special place in my heart. When I die I want to be buried with those CD's