So I mentioned when reviewing Jerry Cantrell’s solo album that it was one of the best albums that came out of the whole grunge sidestep, this IS the best. This was also the band at their creative peak. It was all downhill after this for this line up, as Staley would succumb to his drug misuse. Such a shame, as he was an amazing talent and ultimately a great singer. Credit should go to Cantrell as well, as the harmonies that the two did were a part of the Alice In Chains sound.
Them Bones starts the album off in fine style and is a huge beast of a track. Damn That River follows, and the quality remains high. Rain When I Die is next, and is the hidden gem on the album. It has killer vocals, melody, great riff, and wonderful harmonies. The very sixties feel to the beginning of Down In A Hole is next, and it’s a beautiful song with a very powerful message – almost a cry for help. A very moving track. Sickman rolls on in and has a very Rob Zombie beginning, which fades into what I think is the weakest song so far. Next up is side closer and my favourite track, Rooster. Everyone thinks this is a drug song, but it’s actually about Cantrell’s father who was a vet. An incredible song with so much feeling put into the vocals by Staley. Epic stuff!
Over the flip we go and Junkhead is first up. Lots of drug references on this one and the melody lifts the song out of mediocrity. After the onslaught of Side 1, it was going to be difficult to match the quality of the songs. The title track is next, and it starts with a very eastern feel. It is lyrically another depressing song but is lifted by the music. Godsmack is next and the depressing vibe continues lyrically – although musically it’s quite an interesting tune. Hate To Feel in my opinion is the worst song on the album, and sounds as though it was thrown together in the studio with second hand Led Zeppelin riffs. Angry Chair was one of five singles released from the album at the time, and shows how huge grunge was – now it feels just like a blip in the force. Would is the album closer, and a relatively short song with the tom tom groove and haunting chorus.
They only released 1 EP and a full album after this before Staley’s death in 2002. It’s very sad as he just could not get it together.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
