Tuesday, September 5, 2006

This Week's Hot CD: 'The Essential Alice in Chains'

The Essential Alice in Chains (Legacy)

Now that the hype of the Seattle grunge scene is long past, perspective sets in while listening to this two-CD set.

Though the band was declared the metal edge of the era, and indeed the music is bleak and loud, Alice in Chains no longer seems to fit that niche. The late Layne Staley's voice pleads and bleeds more like Jim Morrison's than Ozzy Osbourne's.

It's impossible to find the dark but beautiful harmonies Staley created with guitarist Jerry Cantrell anywhere in the metal world. Alice in Chains still remains chillingly relevant, making the music a high rather than a downer.

The neo-protest movement has not come up with a more persuasive argument against war than "Rooster." AIC makes deep depression enticing on "Am I Inside" and draws you to the dance floor with the tortured beat of "All Little Bitter." Yes, Staley is gone, but Alice in Chains lives. (Roberta Penn)

GRADE: A

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