Jake’s Weblog

I thought that I’d take the time to review a very under-appreciated album of the grunge scene; a forgotten favorite, if you will.  Jar of Flies by Alice in Chains is perhaps one of the best by the group, which is otherwise known for its thundering, bass-laden grunge rock.  In contrast, however, this piece features a more acoustic approach, producing a much more intimate sound.  While Nirvana is often hailed as a great band when it comes to acoustic versions of their music, Alice in Chains is perhaps more gifted in that aspect, or at least as gifted.  In addition, this piece also displays some exploration on Alice in Chains’ part, even departing from their heavy sound to explore some blues-based rock.  Overall, I give it: **** (4 Stars) 

Rotten Apple – This track has a chanted, almost hypnotic vocal quality that is very characteristic of the softer Alice in Chains tracks.  The vocals are so drawn out and restrained, and, for lack of a better word, creepy, that it sends chills down your spine.  Combine that with Alice in Chains’ typically dark lyrics, and you get a very powerful song.  The whining guitar in the opening sequence of the song really adds to the overall effect.  This is a sample taken from the bedrock of grunge. *****

Nutshell – Probably my favorite track on the whole album; this song is really well done and showcases a more acoustic side of Alice.  It’s still grunge, but unplugged.  It’s one of the most underrated songs in the band’s history, and I think it’s one of their best.  Layne Staley’s chilling vocals follow much the same trend as from “Rotten Apple.”  I’ve seen live, totally unplugged versions, and I have to say that Alice in Chains rivals Nirvana in skill with acoustic songs.  I love these types of songs; they’re so much more intimate.  While Alice’s bigger songs like “Man in the Box” are in your face in instrumentation, “Nutshell” grabs at the heart. *****

I Stay Away – This would really be a great song if the chorus were not so contrasted in comparison to the rest of the song.  While the chorus has a dark, heavy sound, the rest of the song is almost uplifting in tone, complete with an orchestral section as well.  It’s a very interesting song, to be sure, but so differentiated that it loses a little power. ***

No Excuses – picking up where “I Stay Away” left off, “No Excuses” has a lighter tone.  It seems to have a sense of sarcasm and regret similar to the other grunge works of the time, and is all in all a catchy piece.  For Alice in Chains, it’s a departure from the usual, bass-laden heaviness present in songs like “Man in the Box” and “Grind.” ****

Whale & Wasp – a 2:37 instrumental piece that showcases some very haunting guitar parts.  You can tell the “whale” from the “wasp” – it’s interesting, but ultimately, an instrumental. ****

Don’t Follow – another interesting piece for Alice in Chains.  Staley’s vocals take on a more melodic tone from their usual dark, restrained growl.  A harmonica adds to the other little quirks of the piece.  It takes on the tone of a traditional love song, but even so, Alice in Chains makes it sound great.  It’s hard to believe that they wrote such songs as “Man in the Box” after listening to this. ****

Swing on this – Imagine Alice in Chains dressed as the Blues Brothers, and “Swing on This” is what you get.  It has a very distinctly blues-based groove, with Alice in Chains’ ghostly, strung-out vocals giving the song an interesting feel.  Stylistically, I’d much rather have “Man in the Box” any day of the week, but you have to give them points for trying. ***