Nutshell is a perfect opener, and the band couldn’t have picked a better tone-setter, but the melancholic Brother and upbeat No Excuses can easily match it. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the very best moments Unplugged provides come from the material that was already softer in the first place, predominantly found on Alice’s EP’s. It doesn’t mean they are complete letdowns, but they remain the two least great moments in the set. The only drawbacks then, are two of Alice’s very best, Rooster and Would?, which both ultimately require the dark distortion and powerful vocals that made them so fantastic in the first place, something the band is not in the right situation for to provide.
Angry Chair is as moody and sinister as ever, and the bass, a central part of the song, is superior to Dirt’s version. The irritating, robotic ending of Sludge Factory has been omitted, and though the bleak feel doesn’t remain, the acoustic recreation gives way to the true dark nature of the song, which is, in a way, much better conveyed than on its original. While Sludge Factory, Angry Chair, Rooster and Would? may seem slightly out of place, the former two are actually surprisingly fresh versions. Surely you weren’t expecting an acoustic We Die Young, Man in the Box or Them Bones, were you? There are SOME exceptions to this rule, however. The set list is perfect for the occasion, and the only classic Alice material that is NOT featured would have only detracted from the concert. The production is one of the album’s greatest assets, and doesn’t allow any of the instruments to drown the others. Though Kinney has always been the least striking performer of the boys, mostly because his drumming isn’t very straightforward, his calm but thoughtful rhythm patterns are in fact quite underrated, and also very well produced here. While Cantrell’s performance is the most standout (his skill with an acoustic guitar is nothing short of remarkable), Inez’ low, moody bass lines are overall more audible than the bass guitar ever was on a Alice in Chains record, and showcase incredible playing strength. The acoustic recreation of Alice’s studio work by Cantrell and Inez is flawless, and creates an intimate atmosphere, a side to the band previously unheard even on Sap and Jar of Flies.
This, however, only adds to the emotional depth that this album has to offer, and comes across as an extra, heartfelt edge to the music, rather than an irritation. Though it is actually visible on the DVD version of the concert, Staley’s struggle is obvious, and he regularly has problems hitting all the notes without sounding forced.
The feelings that this must have brought forth for the band, along with the acoustics, solidify a performance that is both soulful and passionate, to the point where you can hear the heavy emotional burden on the musicians flowing right to you through your speakers. Alice in Chains is facing their end here, and they knew it. The band was finally performing again after all this time, much to the relief of many, but that is no reason for this performance to be so special. April 5, 2002)Īlice’s performance on the Unplugged show remains known as one of the most memorable editions of the series, and it is not difficult to understand why. He had died from a lethal injection of heroin and cocaine, better known as a speedball. Though his body was found on the 20th, Staley’s death was estimated to have been 2 weeks before, on April 5th.
After a very lengthy and unpleasant struggle, in which he remained much isolated from everyone he knew, he finally passed away in April 2002. Unplugged would be one of the band’s final performances with Staley, who would continue to face his drug habits. While some are eagerly expecting a resurface of one of Seattle’s most talented grunge acts, it would prove not to be.
#Alice in chains unplugged full series#
The MTV Unplugged series is an opportunity for the band to perform an all-acoustic set, providing a completely different, stripped-down experience from the hard-edged outings that most had heard of them before. Alice in Chains, almost broken by the severe drug addiction of one of their central figure Layne Staley, get back together to perform a concert for the first time in two and a half years. Review Summary: Is there a better way to complete an artist's legacy?
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