Alice In Chains - Jar Of Flies
My Thoughts: (Reviewed by K-Billy)
Jar Of Flies is could be viewed by some as Alice In Chain’s fourth cd. However purists would regard it as that which it is, an EP. Containing seven tracks and released after the hugely influential Dirt, Jar Of Flies shows a much softer and reflective side to Alice In Chan’s sound. Popular hits such as “Nutshell” are hauntingly beautiful with their quiet melodic delivery. If you were unsure of whether Staley was a true vocalist, you shouldn’t have been, this album will leave no doubts in your mind about his ability. “No Excuses” highlights a more upbeat tone on the album that while still acoustic if it had to be catogorized, lifts the mood of the album much more then songs like “Rotten Apple” which are slow and deliberately aching in their emotion. The band is even confident enough to include an instrumental on the album, something not many of the bands of the era did, with the exception of Pearl Jam. “Whale & Wasp” is a pure example of the fact that Alice In Chain’s is a great band musically. Even without Staley’s voice they have a unique sound that set them apart. However, with Staley, they reach greatness. This no more evident then on “Don’t Follow” a song with rich with texture including harmonica interludes and one of Staley’s very best deliveries as he belts out lyrics during a truly inspiring section of the song. Once again Alice In Chains have come through with a great record. Whether it’s experimenting with strings on “I Stay Away” or simply in general the new acoustic sound of the album, the band is constantly expanding their horizons. I only wish that it had been an LP, a full length album, because the seven songs on this cd are so well done that it leaves you hungering for more.
Key Tracks:
Nutshell
Don't Follow
No Excuses
I Stay Away