Alice in Chains Album: “MTV Unplugged”

The Unplugged acoustic series is one of the best concepts to emerge from MTV in recent years, and Alice in Chains' performance ranks among the best of the MTV Unplugged series.

Alice in Chains was one of the heaviest bands to emerge from the Seattle grunge scene in the early 1990's, and listening to albums like

and especially

it's hard to imagine the band in an acoustic setting, stripped of all of the pummeling heaviness of those two albums. But when you consider the more melodic direction the band took with their

and

EPs, you knew the idea had potential.

To sum up the band's Unplugged performance in one word - powerful. As much as I love the Alice in Chains studio albums, once you strip the songs down to the acoustic level it exposes just how good these songs really are, and showcases the incredible songwriting talents of Jerry Cantrell. Layne Staley's emotional vocals are another key element of this album's power. The late vocalist had the ability to channel so much of his self-destructive energy into his performances, and this is no exception. No matter what your opinions on addiction, it's hard not to be moved by Staley's singing, particularly on songs like "Down in a Hole" and "Would". Ultimately, I think this MTV Unplugged album is the best of what Alice in Chains had to offer. With few exceptions, I prefer the acoustic songs on this album to their studio counterparts. They just seem to resonate more in the acoustic setting.

In the end, Alice in Chains Unplugged serves as the band's crowning achievement as well as a testament to wasted potential and what might have been. All Alice in Chains fans should own this album, as should anyone who's into alternative rock, grunge, or hard rock in general.

NOTE: While the CD and DVD versions of Alice in Chains Unplugged have been available separately for some time now, in 2007 they were reissued together as a budget-friendly CD/DVD set. If you missed one (or both) versions the first time around, this affordable collection is a great way to remedy that.

This is the arguably the closest people can ever get to hearing this band at their very best. MTV saturated the airwaves in the '90s with the term 'Unplugged.' Bands like Nirvana, Bon Jovi, Oasis and more have sat on MTV's stage with acoustic guitars in hand - ready to delight all eager listeners. This album is an accoustic storybook beginning with the first song "Nutshell" and softly ending with the song, "Killer Is Me." With new renditions of hits like "No excuses", "Rooster", "Heaven Beside You" and "Over Now," the band redefines itself as not only a great grunge band but also rock icons of the '90s. Between the hit songs lie those that could have been hits - every single song on this album is that good. Alice In Chains "Unplugged" is easily one of the best albums of the decade. Pop it in the CD player, sit down in your favorite chair because the show is about to begin!

When thinking of Unplugged albums, Eric Clapton and Nirvana are among the most mentioned for top honors. The show was cancelled, but when Clapton's performance was released to CD, the response showed that the concept was extremely well-received.

I believe this album is the most underrated of those recorded for the unplugged series.

This show came near the end of this grunge outfit's career with the sudden death of singer Layne Staley. However, there is nothing less than incredible energy and life breathed into these tracks by Layne and his bandmates. Songs like "No Excuses" and "Brother" from their two mainly acoustic EP's are easy standouts for their already stripped origins.

Many, including myself, are not aware that co-founder and lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell lends vocals quite often, even lead vocals. His voice combined with Staley's create an eery harmony that has made their sound signature atop the grinding guitars and bass. This is an excellent collection of songs, including "Got Me Wrong" "Rooster" and "Would", performed with an acoustic edge and stripped to their essence with perfection.

Whether a longtime follower, occasional listener, or you are completely unaware of who Alice In Chains is, this is an album to have if only to hear what happens when great musicians come together and show what they are capable of.

Alice in Chains Unplugged is hands down one of the most moving compositions I have ever listened to. Its honestly one of the few albums that I can keep in my car CD player for weeks and weeks without feeling tired of it. I get chills from listening to Layne's wails and the acustic brilliance that this album initiates. It starts off with an AIC classic - Nutshell.... its such an underlying outlet for Layne's personal sufferings. All the songs on here seem to be handpicked pieces that were their best work. All of them flow together so well, and all of them are easy to get hooked into. I just think this album is a work of art, to say the least. Most people think its merely mediocre because AIC is known to be a hard-rock/"grunge" type of band. This album, along with Jar of Flies, which is also on the mellow side, are their best work, I believe. Its obvious that there is tension within the group, if you listen closely to Unplugged, and if you've listened to the album enough times (as I have) then it becomes more and more apparent, but it doesn't take away from the level of under-estimated beauty that is displayed. When I was younger, my twin brother owned Jar of Flies, but I never really gave it a chance. Years later, my boyfriend popped in Unplugged into the car CD player and I was hooked on the opener - Nutshell. Ever since then, I got my own copy of Unplugged and Jar of Flies, and I have not been let down.

Aside from my rambling on and on about the importance this album is in any classic 90s rocker collection, I think, whoever you are, do yourself a favor and get this album - sit down with it - chillout to it, and then you'll begin to understand why its such a statement and why I feel that this is a great album for Layne Staley (RIP) to say goodbye with.

I am not an AIC fan, this is the only album that i have from them. But boy, this is really something to have. If you have friend that plays guitar, bass or drums, especially acoustically, he will love this album and probably listen it every day for weeks. Best part of this album is the Roosters first quarter, when the drums enter in, it just blows you away every time.

I play acoustic guitar myself and can tell that the Jerry Cantrell knows his stuff with guitar in this record. I can go as far saying, that this is the best unplugged recording made in 20 or even 30 years and i've heard plenty. Including Nirvana NY session, altough it comes close second. As we know, with the downspiraling of music industry, this record is not going to be surpassed for a long, long time to come. I was unaware of the lead singers drug addiction and i didnt suspect anything, as the rough singing is perfectly in harmony with the super clean playing. May his soul rest in peace.

Record quality is top notch, all instruments are well balanced and without the audience applauses in between the tracks, you couldn't tell if there was any. Mixers have made good use of both stereo channels and use it to further get the listener into the room with the players. I just cant imagine how it felt like to sit actually in the live recording, goosebumps anyone?