Alice in Chains - MTV Unplugged
by Joe Perota
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DVD details
Actor: Alice in ChainsDirector: Joe Perota
Brand: Sony
DVD: Region Code 2
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 73 minutes
DVD Release Date: 1999-10-26
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony
DVD Reviews of Alice in Chains - MTV Unplugged
DVD Review: Alice In Chains' timeless unplugged performance
Summary: 5 Stars
MTV Unplugged (1996.), an Alice In Chains concert DVD
Alice In Chains' relatively short career (in terms of album releases) was a fantastically productive one. For me, they were much more than just a metal band or indeed a band that was pulled under the `grunge' moniker. Their three album releases and two EPs displayed both the bands ability as a heavy metal outfit but also one who added lots of acoustics and atmospherics to their music. Following the band's self-titled and final album release in 1995, they remained pretty low-key and out of the public eye. Then, a year later came along a concert to be remembered down as Alice In Chains took their turn to do an MTV unplugged set.
Theres something very unique about Alice In Chains' performance on this CD/DVD. The concert conveys so much. There's excellent musicianship and great chemistry between the band and there is also Layne Staley's performance, a voice sounding so tortured yet powerful. The band's performance is inspirational, yet there is an underlying feeling of tragedy and uncertainty to it. Layne Staley is clearly high on drugs during the performance, an addiction which would sadly lead to his unfortunate death in 2002. His performance is excellent, give or take the amusing moment where he forgets the lyrics during `Sludge Factory' but as many have said it is a tragic thing to see, especially now as we know how much more Layne would deteriorate in the following five years. The atmosphere is perfect on this concert DVD; a slightly gloomy but candle-lit setting and a great audience who are all clearly relishing this timeless gig. The band play a killer 13 song set that acts as a great snapshot of their overall career. There's a good mix of the acoustic stuff as seen on `Jar Of Flies' but there is also plenty of the heavier stuff masterfully set to an acoustic set. Theres sadly no tracks from Facelift (an acoustic take on `Man In The Box' would have been interesting) but it doesn't detract from the overall set.
The emotive and powerful `Nutshell' makes an excellent opener and follow ups `Brother' and `No Excuses' fully display AIC's acoustic set ability to the full. `Sludge Factory', a track that sounds heavy and warped on the original album release is an concert highlight. It always amazes me how good this song sounds acoustically. True, the band cut the song to 4 minutes as the weird outro to the song would be too difficult to carry out on an acoustic. The meat of the song sounds great however and just as crunching acoustically as it does on electric. Cantrell's chorus guitar melody sounds especially awesome. `Down In A Hole' and `Angry Chair' both translate brilliantly into this set a lead us up to the band's definitive `Rooster' which is a purely heart wrenching and powerful song. `Got Me Wrong' keeps that uncertain AIC musical feel to the music before another one of their semi-acoustic classics `Heaven Beside You' adds more great melody to the performance. `Would?', always a powerful yet ambiguous song keeps the band in full flow; the bass sounds great here. `Frogs' and `Over Now' are two atmospheric follow ups that do the album versions true justice live. `Frogs' is a chilling listen as usual. `The Killer Is Me' is a classic way for AIC to finish in true off-kilter, warped and unnerving fashion.
The MTV Unplugged DVD for Alice In Chains captures the band as their true selves, giving a timeless performance. This is a concert of pure emotion, atmosphere and heartache with many classic Alice In Chains songs to hear. It is also a sad yet fitting finale for Layne Staley. He is clearly in a bad state by the stage of this concert but it doesn't stop him giving one of his great performances and one which will be remembered for many years to come. This DVD (I recommend the DVD version over the CD for all of you who are viewing the CD product page) is a must for any AIC fan or anyone who appreciates grunge in general. This is one of the great concert DVD's, highly recommended!
R.I.P. Layne Staley
MY RATING: 9/10
Description of Alice in Chains - MTV Unplugged
UNPLUGGED: ALICE IN CHAINS - DVD MovieAlternative Rock Music CDs
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