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THE REVIEW
I put the vinyl on, it starts.
It begins with "Rotten Apple," distorted guitars that give an almost old-west vibe, then Layne starts singing. Low and suffering verses, almost evocative.
Right after, "Nutshell," a fantastic melody with a hint of melancholy in the background. The singing part begins, Layne sings about the futility of life, how sometimes one might be better off dead.
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With a lighter tone, at least apparently, "I Stay Away," a captivating and engaging song as the guitars become heavier in the chorus. Extremely melancholic.
And here we are at "No Excuses," one of my favorite tracks, speaking about friendship and maybe, why not, even love. For the first time, it seems that a happy ending can be glimpsed through the overall melancholy, even the melody suggests it.
"Don't Follow" is another beautiful piece, with some southern rock influences that Layne immediately makes his own.
It closes with the unique "Swing On This," composed of faster rhythms and choruses, it's perhaps the most experimental song of this EP.
Extremely evocative is the cover of Jar of Flies. Unsettling but intriguing at the same time.
Jar of Flies is undoubtedly one of the best musical products of the 90s, a monumental work but at the same time so experimental and different from the classic tone of Alice in Chains.
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Summary by Bot
The review praises Jar of Flies as a monumental and experimental 90s album by Alice in Chains. Highlights include the haunting vocals of Layne Staley and the emotional depth of songs like 'Nutshell' and 'No Excuses.' The album's diverse styles range from melancholic melodies to southern rock influences. The reviewer finds the record captivating and evocative overall.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Alice in Chains
American rock band formed in Seattle in 1987, noted for two-voice harmonies, dark lyrical themes and a signature grunge/alternative-metal sound. Fronted by Layne Staley until his death in 2002; later continued with William DuVall.37 Reviews
Other reviews
By AndJusticeForAll
7 songs, 7 emotions.
'No Excuses' I find no words to define it other than a great song.
By bONJ
You realize you can no longer live without these gems.
Only some distorted echo of the word 'grunge' remains in your head, buried under thirty minutes of amazing music.
By Bluice
Layne Stanley’s voice, expressive and very sweet, throws in everyone’s face the private pain that slowly crumbles him from the inside.
Their acoustic and intimate side is worth as much as or perhaps more than their Metal-Grunge component.
By andre'79
"'Nutshell,' the track that all, guitarists or not, would dream of writing at least once in their lives."
"Jar of Flies, an apparently ordinary cassette, is one of those 'proofs' that cannot leave anyone indifferent. Authentic and heartbreaking confession."
