Alice in Chains

A comeback in 2009 and a classic from 1996

Alice in Chains returned to the music scene in 2009 with Black Gives Way to Blue. Obviously the loss of lead singer Layne Staley in 2002 changed the dynamic of the band forever, but there's no question that this album represents a strong return to form. William DuVall gives a great Staley impression and everything sounds like it's straight outta the early '90s. It's a little front heavy, but so is damn near every album these days. Put your grunge hat on:

Check My Brain
Acid Bubble

Now I couldn't possibly talk about Alice in Chains without mentioning one of my all-time favorites releases, 1996's MTV Unplugged live album. Consistently dismissed by critics, I consider this to be one of the three best MTV Unplugged performances ever, along with Eric Clapton and Jay-Z.

Who would have guessed Alice in Chains would work so well in an acoustic set? They hadn't performed live in three years when they did this show, Layne is clearly a drug addicted mess, and yet they still kill it. Every note. You can watch a couple of highlights below. This version of Got Me Wrong is one of my favorite songs, period.

Would?


Got Me Wrong


On the eve of May, which I am hereby dubbing ROCK MONTH, there's nothing like a little alt-rock nostalgia on a stormy Friday night.

Stew

P.S. Enjoy those Lala links. My favorite music site dies on May 31st. Let's all pray for an iTunes equivalent sooner rather than later.