Jerry never wanted to sing because they had Layne in the band but Layne pushed him to sing more and the harmonies between the two of them made Alice in Chains truly unique.
I wouldnt say Jerry didnt want to sing, but Layne definitely pushed him to become a better singer. Gave him a lot more confidence in his voice, and rightfully so.... JC is one of the best non-lead singers in music over the last 25+ years (Aaron Bruch is a solid #2)!
Never more a true statement about AIC harmonies! My band recently started covering No Excuses, and I'm singing Jerry's part.....what an absolute bitch to TRY and do it justice!
@Derek Charette Yeah, I hear their influence in a lot of the music on the radio from the late 90s to even now, especially the more famous groups that rose up from 2000-2010. By all music, I mean in the overarching hard rock genres. If you think I'm saying they inspired Taylor Swift, forget it. AiC's sound is a large influence since post grunge, and Jerry and Sean don't get the credit they deserve for the developing the texture and atmosphere of that unique sound in their music, and Mike Star probably played in all the other influential bands at one time or another anyway.
That “eased relaxedness” is the entirety of a broken soul and drug addiction. He’s got one of the most distinct beautiful voices ever to me. But these mtv unplugged videos send me chills everytime. You can see and feel his emotion in all of his work.
@@RafitoOoO It's sad to think that Layne really died years before his body did. The drugs pretty well were what kept him alive for years. I think when he finally died his body just finally gave up.
@Rafaiell his top teeth were gone in this. It is a fact. He shot heroin right before he came out so he wasnt shaking in convulsions from withdrawing. Learn the history. You posted a reddit thread that is wrong lmao. Layne was not fine here. He was withering away since the very early 90s. He had overdosed multiple times prior to this. They had not done a show in over 2 years before this, and this was their last. Not counting the 4 shows they opened for KISS and than shut it down because.....Layne overdosed. It is reality. You can audibly hear his lisp because his top teeth are gone.
Justin Harshbarger never heard it put quite that way, but I d imagine they certainly knew, either way it's a beautiful eulogy. Barrett Martin drummer for screaming trees n mad season actually did eulogy for Layne, it was beautiful. Chris Cornell n Anne Wilson sang ring them bells at funeral as well, a song Layne recoded w heart.
I’ve always felt that Jerry Cantrell has been criminally under appreciated as far as vocals are concerned. I loved Layne and all, but Jerry has a beautiful clean voice. They were a really unique band and had a sound all their own. There aren’t many bands that have that quality.
Something about Layne's story is far more sad than the rest...he wanted to stop but life kept beating him down. So much talent in him that it's unmatched
Read about Jerry Garcia of Greatful Dead. So famous he couldn’t walk down street. He hot asked for an autograph in Hawaii learning scuba. They just want to make art, not movie stars. Heroin eats people.
Layne letting Jerry sing that chorus and just nodding and smiling like he was mentally passing the torch over to him is still one of the saddest things i've ever seen.
Letting him? They both wrote and sang always!! Aqib and xero, jerry wrote and sang probably more than layne! Go check it out! Im the biggest layne fan but jerry did just as much, if not more! They were like paul and john!!
Consider that a 34-year-old Layne had been dead for two weeks before being found. He was six feet tall and weighed 86 pounds. It's tragic, but he gave us some awesome music -- and this performance in particular is extraordinary. One guy commented on the video that this is as close as you will get to someone singing at his own funeral. The entire song is foreshadowing, and glorious at that.
This was close but the closest you’d get is the video of Johnny Cash - Hurt. Even the way he closed the piano at the end. Any funeral director would smile at how well he did that, like he was closing caskets for years.
I'm glad finally one of these channels recognized Jerry Cantrell for his vocal contributions. I have seen many of these channels react to AIC and not even mention there is another person singing. That's was the most unique thing about AIC was the 2 vocalist harmonies and sometimes Jerry as lead vocalist. there are many AIC songs that Jerry sang lead on. In my opinion AIC is the best band of the era. And for them not to have even been nominated for the rock hall is a travesty. And in my opinion this channel is the best vocal reaction channel
I still give that nod to Soundgarden, but Alice in Chains was always a very close second for me. I like Pearl Jam and all that, but their music save for a few tracks on Ten (Black etc) never grabbed me the same as most of the Soundgarden and AIC catalogue did.
Khellendross, I used to put Soundgarden above all others. However, at some point AIC won me over. Chris Cornell with his great tone and power was impressive but the heavy sound of AIC is undeniable. Every song feels like they are stuck in some sort of mud. The way the songs drag and the vocals sound so labored. Then Layne hits these screeching highs only to be laid low again. It just fits the genre. I never really got into Pearl Jam. But as you mentioned “Black” is a gem as is “ Just Breathe”.
I’ve never heard a more beautiful song than this. I came across this song once and stopped completely what I did to listen to the performance. AIC has been my favourite band ever since
This line always sticks with me. The way he delivers it with the perfect tone of detachment, but still sounds so desperate for help, it breaks my heart. To me it feels like watching yourself drown alone, but in third person.
This whole album is first-rate - "Nutshell" is my personal favorite. And I still laugh every time I see the "Friends don't let friends get "Friends" haircuts" written on the bass, written as a subtle jab to Metallica in their haircut/Load phase (and present at this show).
I feel like Layne felt like he was singing to his own funeral with all the candles around. This was a way to say goodbye while he was still in decent form and a solemn way to be remembered. RIP
I’ve wanted this one for so long thank you, it’s so eerie hearing the way layne sings this song and knowing where life takes him after this performance
When this was filmed, layne had been strung out on heroin for a long time, he had lost many of his teeth which affected his vocals, youll notice a lisp which he was trying cover up during this whole session.
The autopsy and toxicology report on Staley's body revealed that he died from a mixture of heroin and cocaine, known as a speedball. The autopsy concluded that Staley died two weeks before his body was found, on April 5-the same day fellow grunge icon Kurt Cobain died 8 years prior. Staley's death was classified as "accidental"
@@dupersuper6516 he had lost teeth long before the sessions youre thinking of, if you can even call them sessions. He almost didnt show for unplugged cause he was so worried jerry would be pissed at him cause he sounded different from not having teeth. Its all out there in the documentary
Cantrel and Staley are both amazing talents in their own rights. When you put them together, magic happened. They complimented each other so perfectly.
Lane Staley was a tortured soul. And it came out in his lyrics and live singing. He was the best!! We miss you Lane! RIP my brother, the storm is over!!!!
Instead of dwelling on Laynes condition, I listen to this performance to enjoy the harmony's between Jerry and Layne. The whole band really plays together
Actually there's a really good docu about this show. They had not played together in a little while. A lot of credit to the drummer because he was really the glue, musically and emotionally that kept them going through this show. At one point Layne forgets some of the lyrics. He was actually sick (opiate withdrawals ) before they started because he didn't have a plug there, but im pretty sure one of the band members helped him get straight, and because Layne liked to mix his own shots so he knew how strong they would be, the stuff he got before this performance was stronger than normal and he's REALLY feeling it, almost to the point of nodding out a few times. But he gets it together for sure and lays down some of the most haunting and incredible vocals ever. RIP Layne
At this point in his life Beth he is literally dying from his addition to Heroin. As a fan this is absolutely heartbreaking to watch still to this day. Yes it is some of the most haunting and beautiful music ever recorded live ........but at what cost. He is but a shell of a man here. He is so sickly and weak he cant even hold his head up by the end of the set. I dont think he opened his eyes once through the entire show. This is why you dont do drugs kids....They will kill you eventually no matter how succesful you are. R.I.P. Layne you are missed dearly.
Yep. The album Dirt is basically a journey through how drugs are fun at first but will take you down. Dirt was basically a warning to people about drug addiction.
@@petethepirate730 Yup. Godsmack in particular is about the anger and frustrations of heroin and telling people it's shit. It's an anti-smack song in other words. Dirt is about the downward spiral drugs put you into. I've been struggling with the shit for about 20 years and, though I've had the album for many years, Dirt never leaves rotation of my car CD player because I can relate to it VERY well. Plus it's an AWESOME CD🤘🏻
He opened his eyes. Unfortunately, he kept forgetting the words, so first he had to ditch his trademark glasses and then he had to open his eyes. What we saw in them was pretty haunting.
Yeah he had his lyrics in front to remind him. He was wasted, but it was necessary for him to get through. IIRC he said that heroin was ok when he was in control, then it controlled him. He was definitely entering the terminal stage of his addiction. Cognitive impairment (memory, focus), dental damage (IIRC he had ground his teeth to nubs, which gave him that affected lisp), etc. Jerry's look at Layne's lyric error appeared to be one of concern and nurture.
Considering this was his first live performance in a long time and he was so addicted to herion by now this man was amazing. Such a lost talent R.I.P Layne One of the best ever
Every time I watch this Unplugged, I'm amazed at how easily Layne hits certain notes that are pretty high for the male range. And he's doing it sitting in a chair with bad posture while probably 30 pounds underweight and strung out on heroin.
sadly you could say he was already dead at this show. the one bit of life left was that beautiful voice of his. its almost like a cry for help... gives me chills
@Kendra Sheffield Yeah, she died from a needle Layne had used just a day before. I'm sure that ate him up inside. And she wasn't found dead. She was comatose for almost two weeks before her mother put her on DNR and took her off life support. When she died, out of all the things he wanted of hers was pink teddy bear he got her at the hospital. Her mother said he'd put that bear between them and just lay with her and cry. When Layne died, his family called her mom up to get what few things they knew Layne kept of hers. He had a shrine made for her that consisted the pink teddy bear, pictures, and candles. She told the biographer that she knew Layne spiritually died with her daughter. .
He was already gone, we were all very lucky he preformed that day, so sad, I wonder if he new how gifted he was. haunting vocals, it wasn't just another gig or about the money, I think it was a thank you to his fans, you just feel it, so glad I have it in my collection.
This is one of my favorite songs, and on the album Layne and Jerry are almost indistinguishable. I have heard people say thst Alice in Chains would not have gotten where they did without the electrical, grunge elements, and it might be true but I feel that is an unfair statement because when you watch the Unplugged sessions you can really see that they really are some of the finest musicians we had in the 90s. Check out Jar of Flies for some of their best songs.
This man shared his soul with you when he sang. Nothing was held back. Layne Staley, Amy Weinhouse, Chris Cornell. Top 3 for me in that order. Brings tears to my eyes.
I like watching these videos bc I have listened to this music all my life. Listening it again through your ears and soul Beth, I'm really learning so much. It's like it's the first time im listening to it all over again. Thank you for describing everything so accurately and in such a thoughtful way. 💜
First off, I just can't wrap my head around all the comments about Layne being "at deaths door" and "so far gone" , this performance was recorded 6 years (almost to the day) before his death. He looks like an addict, but he was well within the range of being treated and living on with his addiction. It's terrible that he did not, or could not, get the help he needed. That being said, Beth amazing video!!!! thank you for giving me a better understanding of the vocal tools being used to create the sound and harmony.
some people die quickly. some die slowly. yes, he died 6 years later, but his addiction wasn't getting better and it was by his own choice. he's a dead man walking at this point.
In just 6 months after this performance his fiancee died. Few months later he bought a condo which became "his tomb" for 5 years. He was rarely going out. There might have been 6 months in which he could turn it over, but after her death people said it look like he just gave up. I can't call that being alive.
I am so glad to find you on you tube! I hope to learn many things from your posts. I love to sing I do recordings at home.Years ago I did roadie work for a Seattle band Six Cents for 2 years well the entire time I lived in Seattle. I tried to meet Layne in hopes that I could find a connection with him learn singing tricks and I just wanted to meet him because of being a huge fan a fan of all of the Alice In Chains band members but I always wanted to me Layne. I lived in Seattle from 1996 to 1998 I met several of his friends but never did meet him no matter how hard I tried everyone that knew him well had told me the same thing during those years of his life that he kept to himself and wanted to keep it that way.Hearing that made me very sad you could always feel and hear the pain from his friends so many folks tried to reach him so he would not meet the fate he did.They all said what you did is that he had so much pain and sorrow from losing the love of his life. Just a shame I will always be greatful for at least meeting a few of his friends. I did try to meet others in the band as well but it just did not happen. I look forward to learning any singing tricks that you know of him doing using and learn so I can fit it the best way I can with my own voice. No one will ever be able to sing like him but I feel he would be happy that folks would like to learn from him!
Was just about to type this, then i seen your comment lol. Their live show at the moore is what i prefer to listen to rather than the studio, Wake up is so amazing play it everyday on repeat. God I cant get enough of Layne's voice.
@@mocomoto8951 I ordered the mad season cd and I didnt care for it. I can only listen to live mad season! I didn't realize there was such a big difference. I wish people would start reacting to mad season. The first song I heard from mad season I was hooked!
When you first hear him come in his tone is almost grating but after you listen for a while you wouldn’t have it any other way. His tone is both unpleasant and perfect at the same time.
Iexpedite1 Be hard to argue with your statement, since it resembles his own mothers description of Layne’s voice “Razor blades wrapped in marshmallow” ~Nancy McCallum~
Chris Clark Funny I think I just read that last night, not sure who said it, but def works, especially for that performance at the Moore in 1990. He hadn’t yet worked on the subtlety but my lord the power-chainsaw was running top speed. Probably the best set I’ve ever heard It ain’t like that Man in box Real thing Sea of sorrow Love hate love Bleed the freak Every single song is unbelievable in its own right, the fact that despite outfit changes was performed one after another, AWesome! Chainsaw dipped in honey, I ❤️ it U r right, def my new favorite!
Layne was such a unique voice but the unique sound of AIC is really the harmonies of both Layne and Jerry's vocals together. Would? is a great example where Jerry is actually the lead vocals in the verse and Layne harmonizes the doubles. Their vocals were really the 4th instruments. Such an awesome band.
Such a strange dynamic in a band making such gold! I remember watching interviews. Layne said they were a grunge band and Jerry said they were a metal band..... Best of both worlds!
Layne... Layne and Jerry Cantrell...I swear they were one of a kind and can't be replicated. Alice in Chains are so legendary. I totally agree with your comments about MTV unplugged. It truly was my favorite series MTV ever did and I was born in '76, so I was around when MTV was created!!!
Great job! You are so respectful and honest. I just discovered your channel today. You reviewef two of my favorite bands. Pantera and Alice n Chains. They're not main stream, but you recognized their brilliance. Thank you for that
This guy did Man in the Box live at the Moore, a simple dude but he is better in analysing the she is: ua-cam.com/video/VzRMbt6swmg/v-deo.html And search for another great one: Rebecca Vocal Athete love hate love
Jerry Cantrell's voice is a lot more "neutral" than Layne's. I've noticed that in order for voices to blend, it's often best if one of them is neutral. If both voices are too colorful, they can clash.
5:31 - the way he re-addresses the microphone to deliver the "I will speak no more of my feelings beneath" lyric - it's amazing, moving, haunting, just so so so expressive
Great job analyzing these guys. This band was a rare combination of dark lyrics, harmonies, soft acoustics, driving bass lines and soulful melodies that so many of their true fans could connect with. Layne's voice combined with Jerry's vocal support is unique and wonderful. Thank you AIC.
I only recently discovered Alice In Chains as a long running music show called Rage did a grunge special to mark 30 years since their debut album, and they played this I really loved Layne's and Jerry's vocals they matched well. I find so sad what Layne and other artists of that era went through and hope he found peace.
This will forever be one of my favorite albums of all time. It's jut brilliant. Same with the Nirvana unplugged. Both of those being kind of a last hurrah for both bands and I think they gave it their all
I love listening to you speak it's so calming. Your really are lovely, and as a guitarist I've learned so much about singing from you. thank you for doing what you do Beth
This is the best unplugged imo.i have yet too see anyone be able to replicate him and do it well.Laynes voice was so soothing and then bam this power would blast out of him.like no other really.Also hats off too you Beth.Your breakdowns are amazing and precise and I can tell u put work and thought into analyzing the songs you react to.your also very easy on the eyes. keep on keepin on
"I have been guilty of kicking myself in the teeth" eloquent yet crude, I think most people can probably relate to this. AiC lyrics always hit close to home for me at least...
@@RabbitNose I am good. I do the videos to try to help pull my fellow vets back from the edge. I was there once and it's no place to be. So I try to give some motivation, a plan and new outlook on things. AiC is a good band to mine dark thoughts we relate to and turn them to the light. AiC has such subjective lyrics where their songs and lyrics can mean what you want them to. They helped me live and get through a lot.
Love your videos beth! What is so interesting to me is it feels as if he is singing and expressing how he actually feels. Which at this point makes sense
The entire Unplugged performance is in beautiful, frightening, and above all sad. Seeing how Layne’s addiction had physically overcome him is heartbreaking. Yet, despite that, he delivers his best performance ever (in my personal opinion).
Im so in agreement with you on everything. The effortlessness in the singing and the sadness of his story. Thank you for doing a great job on this and for your empathy with Layne. It brought tears to my eyes.
It's amazing to me that two songs Jerry Cantrell wrote about a girlfriend, this and "Heaven Beside You," have lyrics that fit Layne's situation so well. Hell, to this day I'm still not convinced "Heaven Beside You" wasn't about Layne. Incidentally, I feel Jerry Cantrell is very underrated as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
There will never, EVER be another duo like Layne and Jerry.. Their harmonizing is 2nd to NONE.. I could watch the unplugged show everyday and it never gets old..🤘
Jerry never wanted to sing because they had Layne in the band but Layne pushed him to sing more and the harmonies between the two of them made Alice in Chains truly unique.
I'll put it like I did with a friend a couple months back: Layne and Jerry were like the Simon & Garfunkel of Grunge.
And it sure has helped with AiC returning with William Duvall
I wouldnt say Jerry didnt want to sing, but Layne definitely pushed him to become a better singer. Gave him a lot more confidence in his voice, and rightfully so.... JC is one of the best non-lead singers in music over the last 25+ years (Aaron Bruch is a solid #2)!
The most haunting vocal harmonies in rock. Even their major key songs are leant an eerie quality with those voices.
Never more a true statement about AIC harmonies!
My band recently started covering No Excuses, and I'm singing Jerry's part.....what an absolute bitch to TRY and do it justice!
Layne saved my life. I listen to him everyday for therapy.
Me 2 ✌️
He saved your life, but couldn't save his own
His music got me through some horrible times too 🖤
Cliche boy..
@@jamesmacoisdealbhaigh9904 you don't even know what a cliche is
Jerry is a great singer as well and one of the best guitarist/songwriters of any era. So underrated. Him and Layne created magic together.
yes they were . Jerry said Layne pushed Jerry to sing more. Layne will forever be missed
AiC are responsible for all the music out there today. They opened the door and didn't get the credit.
@@Nga_Babaye I don't know about"all the music out there". They inspired quite a bit, but there are lots of bands that inspired newer bands.
@Derek Charette Yeah, I hear their influence in a lot of the music on the radio from the late 90s to even now, especially the more famous groups that rose up from 2000-2010. By all music, I mean in the overarching hard rock genres. If you think I'm saying they inspired Taylor Swift, forget it. AiC's sound is a large influence since post grunge, and Jerry and Sean don't get the credit they deserve for the developing the texture and atmosphere of that unique sound in their music, and Mike Star probably played in all the other influential bands at one time or another anyway.
Hes not under rated
You just have nothing to say.
Layne's voice is like a thousand souls, crying out in pain. Some people relate because their lives have been a series of tragic experiences too.
That “eased relaxedness” is the entirety of a broken soul and drug addiction. He’s got one of the most distinct beautiful voices ever to me. But these mtv unplugged videos send me chills everytime. You can see and feel his emotion in all of his work.
Same here, I get soo emotional when I watched and listen to MTV unplugged so much passion and pain.
Layne Staley is one of a kind!! RIP Layne Staley 😇❤️🤘
Once I heard someone saying that listening to the AiC unplugged is the closest we have to watching a man singing in his own funeral.
@@RafitoOoO It's sad to think that Layne really died years before his body did. The drugs pretty well were what kept him alive for years. I think when he finally died his body just finally gave up.
How his body survived another 6 years after this, is beyond me. What a gorgeous/tragic set this was
yeah i'm shocked as well he was about 100-115 pounds in that then when they found his body he was like 84 pounds
@Jedimaster420 he didnt have any teeth in this unplugged either... Layne hadn't had his teeth for years before this even.. Maybe 3-4 years
@Rafaiell Look again.. All his tops are gone at the very least and thats what im referring to
@Rafaiell his top teeth were gone in this. It is a fact. He shot heroin right before he came out so he wasnt shaking in convulsions from withdrawing. Learn the history. You posted a reddit thread that is wrong lmao. Layne was not fine here. He was withering away since the very early 90s. He had overdosed multiple times prior to this. They had not done a show in over 2 years before this, and this was their last. Not counting the 4 shows they opened for KISS and than shut it down because.....Layne overdosed. It is reality. You can audibly hear his lisp because his top teeth are gone.
@@brettcarlson5450 Damn :(
That whole album is basically Lane and Jerry singing a eulogy they didn't know was coming
Justin Harshbarger never heard it put quite that way, but I d imagine they certainly knew, either way it's a beautiful eulogy.
Barrett Martin drummer for screaming trees n mad season actually did eulogy for Layne, it was beautiful. Chris Cornell n Anne Wilson sang ring them bells at funeral as well, a song Layne recoded w heart.
Jerry knew it was coming for sure
@@kevincoady5248 Yeah, well, show me the grave!! It doesn't exist!!
Oh they knew...
@@justsomeyeti5814 Yeah, because they planned it!!
I’ve always felt that Jerry Cantrell has been criminally under appreciated as far as vocals are concerned. I loved Layne and all, but Jerry has a beautiful clean voice. They were a really unique band and had a sound all their own. There aren’t many bands that have that quality.
Richard Skipper of course, and I still dig them, still not the same. I’m glad they’re still around though.
Heaven Beside You is my favorite AIC song
Jerry rocks
Agreed. Layne blew other singers out of the water but Jerry's an amazing vocalist too
Jerry had food poisoning during unplugged, you can see his puke bucket in some of the shots. He still managed to sing well.
This performance was a gift to us from Layne before he died.
😭😭
Something about Layne's story is far more sad than the rest...he wanted to stop but life kept beating him down. So much talent in him that it's unmatched
Read about Jerry Garcia of Greatful Dead. So famous he couldn’t walk down street. He hot asked for an autograph in Hawaii learning scuba. They just want to make art, not movie stars. Heroin eats people.
The other singer is Jerry Cantrell. He's a brilliant songwriter 💗
So young!
Jerry doesn't get enough credit.
I'm glad she mentioned his voice too, he's underrated as a singer, I think.
he has an album from early 2ks after Layne died (I think) called Boggy Depot. Haven't listened in a while but at the time I thought was really good.
@@dphrenicyeah3688 agred. Jerry is one of the best guitar player of the 90s and is 50% responsible for the wonderful harmonies that AiC is famous for.
Jerry Cantrell deserves a credit as well.
Right. For me the thing that made the AIC sound was the haunting combination of the two voices.
Yeah, I was about to say the same.
Maybe a review of "Brother" from this Unplugged session should be in queue.
uninn and over now
Who is he?
Layne letting Jerry sing that chorus and just nodding and smiling like he was mentally passing the torch over to him is still one of the saddest things i've ever seen.
@Vagina Doctor Nah he just wanted him to get the spotlight because he's the one who wrote the song, he just felt like he should.
Letting him? They both wrote and sang always!! Aqib and xero, jerry wrote and sang probably more than layne! Go check it out! Im the biggest layne fan but jerry did just as much, if not more! They were like paul and john!!
@@sircliffordmalcolmjac5870 Yes i know, that's why i wrote "He's the one who wrote the song, he just felt like he should".
@@aqib4925 ooooh ok, i get it, he (layne) wanted him (jerry) to get the spotlight cuz he (jerry) wrote it! I get it now, sorry bro!
@Carmine Lupertazzi he didnt forget the words!
Consider that a 34-year-old Layne had been dead for two weeks before being found. He was six feet tall and weighed 86 pounds. It's tragic, but he gave us some awesome music -- and this performance in particular is extraordinary. One guy commented on the video that this is as close as you will get to someone singing at his own funeral. The entire song is foreshadowing, and glorious at that.
This was close but the closest you’d get is the video of Johnny Cash - Hurt. Even the way he closed the piano at the end. Any funeral director would smile at how well he did that, like he was closing caskets for years.
the only vocal coach who does reactions on youtube without trying to be fake and cry
well done
Love Beth but The Charismatic Voice is great also
To be fair it would okay to cry from this
If this doesn’t make you cry something isn’t right.
I'm glad finally one of these channels recognized Jerry Cantrell for his vocal contributions. I have seen many of these channels react to AIC and not even mention there is another person singing. That's was the most unique thing about AIC was the 2 vocalist harmonies and sometimes Jerry as lead vocalist. there are many AIC songs that Jerry sang lead on. In my opinion AIC is the best band of the era. And for them not to have even been nominated for the rock hall is a travesty. And in my opinion this channel is the best vocal reaction channel
Same with Mad Season. Everyone focuses on Layne. The fact that Mark Lanagan absolutely kills his vocals as well often gets ignored.
I still give that nod to Soundgarden, but Alice in Chains was always a very close second for me. I like Pearl Jam and all that, but their music save for a few tracks on Ten (Black etc) never grabbed me the same as most of the Soundgarden and AIC catalogue did.
Khellendross,
I used to put Soundgarden above all others. However, at some point AIC won me over. Chris Cornell with his great tone and power was impressive but the heavy sound of AIC is undeniable. Every song feels like they are stuck in some sort of mud. The way the songs drag and the vocals sound so labored. Then Layne hits these screeching highs only to be laid low again. It just fits the genre. I never really got into Pearl Jam. But as you mentioned “Black” is a gem as is “ Just Breathe”.
Browns Fan if you want a reaction where a guy gives both praise check out hectic reacts to would he loves the harmonies.
Its a.i.c and tool then every one else
I could watch this performance a million times, and it never lose its sadness or beauty
When they sing “I like to fly” you actually feel like you’re flying with the perfect harmonies
Amen brother
I’ve never heard a more beautiful song than this. I came across this song once and stopped completely what I did to listen to the performance. AIC has been my favourite band ever since
You might like Pantera, Killswitch Engage, and Jinjer if you like Alice in Chains.
"look at me now a man who won't let himself be." AiC is easily my favourite band and it's so sad watching the unplugged
This line always sticks with me. The way he delivers it with the perfect tone of detachment, but still sounds so desperate for help, it breaks my heart. To me it feels like watching yourself drown alone, but in third person.
His spirit is so heavy in this performance; it's palpable. Breaks my heart each time I watch it.
This whole album is first-rate - "Nutshell" is my personal favorite.
And I still laugh every time I see the "Friends don't let friends get "Friends" haircuts" written on the bass, written as a subtle jab to Metallica in their haircut/Load phase (and present at this show).
What is the album again? Dirt?
I was gonna say Dirt
@@dr.juerdotitsgo5119 I think he means the actual Unplugged album.
Lyset yes because he says nutshell is his favorite, and nutshell it’s not in dirt
Was a honest question. But nevermind; Google was more mindful then you guys
I feel like Layne felt like he was singing to his own funeral with all the candles around.
This was a way to say goodbye while he was still in decent form and a solemn way to be remembered. RIP
Named my first and only child after Layne. RIP Layne Staley.
Beautiful.
Legend
So did i
Great work
so did Lars Ulrich
I’ve wanted this one for so long thank you, it’s so eerie hearing the way layne sings this song and knowing where life takes him after this performance
RIP Layne Staley...
FAKE NEWS
‘I’ve eaten the sun so my tongue has been burned of the taste’ is one of the most gut wrenching lines in any song ever... RIP Layne 😢
I thinking he's talking about all the experiences in life. So sad. That line is forever etched in my brain. 💔
One of the most unique voices...his mom described it as razor blades covered with marshmallows
This unplugged session is just brilliant from start to finish. One of the best live performances I've ever seen.
When this was filmed, layne had been strung out on heroin for a long time, he had lost many of his teeth which affected his vocals, youll notice a lisp which he was trying cover up during this whole session.
Really? I didnt know heroin did that too. Tought that was a meth thing. Thats so sad
Exactly right. Also think that's why he hardly opened his mouth but definitely noticable.
He didn't lose his teeth until the end during the sessions for what might have been another album but was just "died" and "get born again"
The autopsy and toxicology report on Staley's body revealed that he died from a mixture of heroin and cocaine, known as a speedball. The autopsy concluded that Staley died two weeks before his body was found, on April 5-the same day fellow grunge icon Kurt Cobain died 8 years prior. Staley's death was classified as "accidental"
@@dupersuper6516 he had lost teeth long before the sessions youre thinking of, if you can even call them sessions. He almost didnt show for unplugged cause he was so worried jerry would be pissed at him cause he sounded different from not having teeth. Its all out there in the documentary
The haunting harmonies is what made this band. This song makes me want to cry, but it’s so beautiful at the same time.
Seeing Jerry smiling at 4:15 is awesome. Layne still had it at that point.
saintsisit also at 5:33
Nice I didn't notice that
@@daneisthegreatest It's like he was checking on layne becose of the power that he puts on that phrase, looks like he wasn't expecting it
The happiness in his face is so lovely...
I love that.
Cantrel and Staley are both amazing talents in their own rights. When you put them together, magic happened. They complimented each other so perfectly.
It’s so sad and ironic that he was (and still is) loved by millions, yet there was no one who could save him... R.I.P. Layne.
Great video, Beth.
Betrayed by those he called friends.
Jesus could have
@@amandaregister4509 get out now
@@mordecaismopstick ?
I’d like to fly,but my wings have been so denied. Such a great lyric.
I always thought it said "my wings are bent" I have been singing it wrong for 25 years. lol
Layne's voice. The one and only.
Lane Staley was a tortured soul. And it came out in his lyrics and live singing. He was the best!! We miss you Lane! RIP my brother, the storm is over!!!!
Instead of dwelling on Laynes condition, I listen to this performance to enjoy the harmony's between Jerry and Layne. The whole band really plays together
Considering he was probably high on heroin during the recording. He can still sing better than most singers
Actually there's a really good docu about this show. They had not played together in a little while. A lot of credit to the drummer because he was really the glue, musically and emotionally that kept them going through this show. At one point Layne forgets some of the lyrics. He was actually sick (opiate withdrawals ) before they started because he didn't have a plug there, but im pretty sure one of the band members helped him get straight, and because Layne liked to mix his own shots so he knew how strong they would be, the stuff he got before this performance was stronger than normal and he's REALLY feeling it, almost to the point of nodding out a few times. But he gets it together for sure and lays down some of the most haunting and incredible vocals ever. RIP Layne
He was on heroine during this show.
Layne always breaks me, no other man is so confident that he can be so vulnerable as we was
At this point in his life Beth he is literally dying from his addition to Heroin. As a fan this is absolutely heartbreaking to watch still to this day. Yes it is some of the most haunting and beautiful music ever recorded live ........but at what cost. He is but a shell of a man here. He is so sickly and weak he cant even hold his head up by the end of the set. I dont think he opened his eyes once through the entire show. This is why you dont do drugs kids....They will kill you eventually no matter how succesful you are. R.I.P. Layne you are missed dearly.
He opened his eyes plenty but okay lol
Yep. The album Dirt is basically a journey through how drugs are fun at first but will take you down. Dirt was basically a warning to people about drug addiction.
@@petethepirate730 Yup. Godsmack in particular is about the anger and frustrations of heroin and telling people it's shit. It's an anti-smack song in other words. Dirt is about the downward spiral drugs put you into. I've been struggling with the shit for about 20 years and, though I've had the album for many years, Dirt never leaves rotation of my car CD player because I can relate to it VERY well. Plus it's an AWESOME CD🤘🏻
He opened his eyes. Unfortunately, he kept forgetting the words, so first he had to ditch his trademark glasses and then he had to open his eyes.
What we saw in them was pretty haunting.
Yeah he had his lyrics in front to remind him. He was wasted, but it was necessary for him to get through. IIRC he said that heroin was ok when he was in control, then it controlled him. He was definitely entering the terminal stage of his addiction. Cognitive impairment (memory, focus), dental damage (IIRC he had ground his teeth to nubs, which gave him that affected lisp), etc. Jerry's look at Layne's lyric error appeared to be one of concern and nurture.
Look at me now a man who won't let himself be.
such a gifted artist. left too soon.
Considering this was his first live performance in a long time and he was so addicted to herion by now this man was amazing. Such a lost talent R.I.P Layne One of the best ever
Every time I watch this Unplugged, I'm amazed at how easily Layne hits certain notes that are pretty high for the male range. And he's doing it sitting in a chair with bad posture while probably 30 pounds underweight and strung out on heroin.
And missing teeth.
Such an amazing voice. Would love to see a reaction to anything from Mad Season Live at the Moore. What a live show. Damn I miss him.
Artificial red live at Moore is soooooo good.
@@tuNppu85 and wake up
@@gvagogliati especially since Wake Up is basically another self-eulogy about his drug addiction. So heartbreaking.
@@gvagogliati True that.
yes!!
sadly you could say he was already dead at this show. the one bit of life left was that beautiful voice of his. its almost like a cry for help... gives me chills
@Kendra Sheffield Yeah, she died from a needle Layne had used just a day before. I'm sure that ate him up inside. And she wasn't found dead. She was comatose for almost two weeks before her mother put her on DNR and took her off life support. When she died, out of all the things he wanted of hers was pink teddy bear he got her at the hospital. Her mother said he'd put that bear between them and just lay with her and cry. When Layne died, his family called her mom up to get what few things they knew Layne kept of hers. He had a shrine made for her that consisted the pink teddy bear, pictures, and candles. She told the biographer that she knew Layne spiritually died with her daughter. .
@Kendra Sheffield she did have an infection but the official cause of death was overdose.
The harmonies between Jerry and Layne were the best, Jerry is actually responsible for all the riffs and many lyrics of AIC
He was already gone, we were all very lucky he preformed that day, so sad, I wonder if he new how gifted he was. haunting vocals, it wasn't just another gig or about the money, I think it was a thank you to his fans, you just feel it, so glad I have it in my collection.
This song makes me cry every time I hear it.
I don’t think Layne thought about it, he made his singing seem so effortless. That is natural talent. RIP Layne 😰❤️
This is one of my favorite songs, and on the album Layne and Jerry are almost indistinguishable. I have heard people say thst Alice in Chains would not have gotten where they did without the electrical, grunge elements, and it might be true but I feel that is an unfair statement because when you watch the Unplugged sessions you can really see that they really are some of the finest musicians we had in the 90s.
Check out Jar of Flies for some of their best songs.
I Stay Away was the first song I ever heard off JoF. Fell in love with it..then I heard the rest of the album🤯😍😍
This is a sad story... Layne was so great... I can't discibe how sad I feel about it.. Thanks Beth for doing this!
This man shared his soul with you when he sang. Nothing was held back. Layne Staley, Amy Weinhouse, Chris Cornell. Top 3 for me in that order. Brings tears to my eyes.
I like watching these videos bc I have listened to this music all my life. Listening it again through your ears and soul Beth, I'm really learning so much. It's like it's the first time im listening to it all over again.
Thank you for describing everything so accurately and in such a thoughtful way. 💜
'Emotionally', Layne's best performance that one fateful night AIC got together for one more show.
They did a tour for Tripod that was cut short after Unplugged
@@jtough7499 it wasn't a tour for Tripod they were just filling in for STP on Kiss Tour because Wieland got arrested for, ironically,heroin.
Why did you put "emotionally" in quotes? You didn't quote anyone or use the word in an idiosyncratic way.
Great singer but his biggest gift was portraying emotion with his voice. Something only the greats can consistently do
The heartbreak in every note. Ugh. I remember buying this CD first day it was out. Still gets me all these years later.
I also really loved Jerry Cantrell’s voice in this. His voice matches very well with this song and with Layne in general.
this performance is so heartbreaking, yet so hauntingly beautiful. RIP Layne
Oh my god, such a beautiful harmony Jerry and Layne. This version is amazing for all other reasons too, bass sounds great.
You need to review “nutshell”
Ronnie Creager came here to say just that
Ronnie Creager or brother
For real...the unplugged version of that song is my favorite. Gets me emotional every time. It's a great song to put on and just reflect on life.
Layne...
We miss you, always.
First off, I just can't wrap my head around all the comments about Layne being "at deaths door" and "so far gone" , this performance was recorded 6 years (almost to the day) before his death. He looks like an addict, but he was well within the range of being treated and living on with his addiction. It's terrible that he did not, or could not, get the help he needed.
That being said, Beth amazing video!!!! thank you for giving me a better understanding of the vocal tools being used to create the sound and harmony.
some people die quickly. some die slowly. yes, he died 6 years later, but his addiction wasn't getting better and it was by his own choice. he's a dead man walking at this point.
Well, i mean he was at deaths door. The day before this gig he was out of rehab, and im pretty sure he was in rehab for a specific reason...
In just 6 months after this performance his fiancee died. Few months later he bought a condo which became "his tomb" for 5 years. He was rarely going out. There might have been 6 months in which he could turn it over, but after her death people said it look like he just gave up. I can't call that being alive.
I am so glad to find you on you tube! I hope to learn many things from your posts. I love to sing I do recordings at home.Years ago I did roadie work for a Seattle band Six Cents for 2 years well the entire time I lived in Seattle. I tried to meet Layne in hopes that I could find a connection with him learn singing tricks and I just wanted to meet him because of being a huge fan a fan of all of the Alice In Chains band members but I always wanted to me Layne. I lived in Seattle from 1996 to 1998 I met several of his friends but never did meet him no matter how hard I tried everyone that knew him well had told me the same thing during those years of his life that he kept to himself and wanted to keep it that way.Hearing that made me very sad you could always feel and hear the pain from his friends so many folks tried to reach him so he would not meet the fate he did.They all said what you did is that he had so much pain and sorrow from losing the love of his life. Just a shame I will always be greatful for at least meeting a few of his friends. I did try to meet others in the band as well but it just did not happen. I look forward to learning any singing tricks that you know of him doing using and learn so I can fit it the best way I can with my own voice. No one will ever be able to sing like him but I feel he would be happy that folks would like to learn from him!
It's so hard looking at Layne during this performance. He was literally dying in front of our faces. So F'ing sad.
Heroin sucks.
This concert still gives me the chills after all these years
I am just so happy and extremely sad at the same time with this.
It's just so hauntingly beautiful 🖤
R.I.P. LAYNE STALEY
A.IC. forever ❤❤❤
Jerry's harmonies were everything. It makes the signature sound of AiC
Theres a live black and white performance of Love hate love which you just have to listen to because its absolutely insane vocally.
Mad Season - Wake Up, live at the Moore, you definitely need to do this one.
I dont think I have seen any mad season reacts. Have you? I love mad season!
Was just about to type this, then i seen your comment lol. Their live show at the moore is what i prefer to listen to rather than the studio, Wake up is so amazing play it everyday on repeat. God I cant get enough of Layne's voice.
@@mocomoto8951 I ordered the mad season cd and I didnt care for it. I can only listen to live mad season! I didn't realize there was such a big difference. I wish people would start reacting to mad season. The first song I heard from mad season I was hooked!
Yes! Wake Up! Now that Beth is getting hooked on Layne's singing, she should definitely do Mad Season!
This
Pretty good research about Layne's life this is the around the time Demri died.
6 months later in October she passed
When you first hear him come in his tone is almost grating but after you listen for a while you wouldn’t have it any other way. His tone is both unpleasant and perfect at the same time.
That's how he created a Genre. How many have tried (and failed) to copy his style?
Iexpedite1 Be hard to argue with your statement, since it resembles his own mothers description of Layne’s voice
“Razor blades wrapped in marshmallow”
~Nancy McCallum~
The one I like is “chainsaw dipped in honey”.
Chris Clark Funny I think I just read that last night, not sure who said it, but def works, especially for that performance at the Moore in 1990. He hadn’t yet worked on the subtlety but my lord the power-chainsaw was running top speed.
Probably the best set I’ve ever heard
It ain’t like that
Man in box
Real thing
Sea of sorrow
Love hate love
Bleed the freak
Every single song is unbelievable in its own right, the fact that despite outfit changes was performed one after another, AWesome!
Chainsaw dipped in honey, I ❤️ it
U r right, def my new favorite!
Iexpedite1 well fucking said 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Layne was such a unique voice but the unique sound of AIC is really the harmonies of both Layne and Jerry's vocals together. Would? is a great example where Jerry is actually the lead vocals in the verse and Layne harmonizes the doubles. Their vocals were really the 4th instruments. Such an awesome band.
Such a strange dynamic in a band making such gold! I remember watching interviews. Layne said they were a grunge band and Jerry said they were a metal band..... Best of both worlds!
Sigh just kills me to see how far layne was at this point of his life
The vocal space Layne and Jerry share is just perfect.
Layne... Layne and Jerry Cantrell...I swear they were one of a kind and can't be replicated. Alice in Chains are so legendary. I totally agree with your comments about MTV unplugged. It truly was my favorite series MTV ever did and I was born in '76, so I was around when MTV was created!!!
Great job! You are so respectful and honest. I just discovered your channel today. You reviewef two of my favorite bands. Pantera and Alice n Chains. They're not main stream, but you recognized their brilliance. Thank you for that
Man, Layne didn't loose his soul, he exposed it to the world to us. So much soul.
Please do Alice In Chains - Bleed The Freak, live at the Moore. It's amazing
It's the best performance of one of their greatest songs!
Absolutely! Agreed!
This guy did Man in the Box live at the Moore, a simple dude but he is better in analysing the she is: ua-cam.com/video/VzRMbt6swmg/v-deo.html
And search for another great one: Rebecca Vocal Athete love hate love
Name your God and bleed the freak👌🏻
Love, Hate, Love is another awesome live vid in that concert. Pffft.. every single song he sang live is awesome. Layne could do no wrong in music
One of the greatest "albums" of my 52 years.
Jerry Cantrell's voice is a lot more "neutral" than Layne's. I've noticed that in order for voices to blend, it's often best if one of them is neutral. If both voices are too colorful, they can clash.
5:31 - the way he re-addresses the microphone to deliver the "I will speak no more of my feelings beneath" lyric - it's amazing, moving, haunting, just so so so expressive
Great job analyzing these guys.
This band was a rare combination of dark lyrics, harmonies, soft acoustics, driving bass lines and soulful melodies that so many of their true fans could connect with. Layne's voice combined with Jerry's vocal support is unique and wonderful. Thank you AIC.
I only recently discovered Alice In Chains as a long running music show called Rage did a grunge special to mark 30 years since their debut album, and they played this I really loved Layne's and Jerry's vocals they matched well. I find so sad what Layne and other artists of that era went through and hope he found peace.
This will forever be one of my favorite albums of all time. It's jut brilliant. Same with the Nirvana unplugged. Both of those being kind of a last hurrah for both bands and I think they gave it their all
2 of the greatest shows ever
You can tell both were depressed and dead already from the inside
Nearly 20 years after AIC and Nirvana's Unplugged albums, I still listen to them regularly. Wish I could've seen either band live.
I love listening to you speak it's so calming. Your really are lovely, and as a guitarist I've learned so much about singing from you. thank you for doing what you do Beth
This is the best unplugged imo.i have yet too see anyone be able to replicate him and do it well.Laynes voice was so soothing and then bam this power would blast out of him.like no other really.Also hats off too you Beth.Your breakdowns are amazing and precise and I can tell u put work and thought into analyzing the songs you react to.your also very easy on the eyes. keep on keepin on
"I have been guilty of kicking myself in the teeth"
eloquent yet crude, I think most people can probably relate to this.
AiC lyrics always hit close to home for me at least...
I have listened to them since the beginning. I now use some of their lyrics in my anti suicide videos
@@RabbitNose I am good. I do the videos to try to help pull my fellow vets back from the edge. I was there once and it's no place to be. So I try to give some motivation, a plan and new outlook on things. AiC is a good band to mine dark thoughts we relate to and turn them to the light. AiC has such subjective lyrics where their songs and lyrics can mean what you want them to. They helped me live and get through a lot.
I've ate of the sun so my tongue has been burned of the taste. ...
Also relevant considering Layne had lost most of his teeth to heroine addiction when this concert was shot.
@Jack Burton ok....
Love your videos beth! What is so interesting to me is it feels as if he is singing and expressing how he actually feels. Which at this point makes sense
Ive always thought that his vocal melodies in this live version portray perfectly the current situation at the time. He just sounds so broken.
The entire Unplugged performance is in beautiful, frightening, and above all sad. Seeing how Layne’s addiction had physically overcome him is heartbreaking. Yet, despite that, he delivers his best performance ever (in my personal opinion).
Layne always seemed to lack the ego of a lot of singers and was happy to let Jerry take lead parts and provide harmony. Awesome. RIP.
Your videos are a joy to watch. Your personality, your commentary, your choice of song. Keep it up!
Im so in agreement with you on everything. The effortlessness in the singing and the sadness of his story. Thank you for doing a great job on this and for your empathy with Layne. It brought tears to my eyes.
"he's got very relaxed diction it's grunge so smooth and oozy"
Round here we call that the yarl
Bittersweet-est line from this show, near the end.
Layne: "I could just HUG you all!"
It's amazing to me that two songs Jerry Cantrell wrote about a girlfriend, this and "Heaven Beside You," have lyrics that fit Layne's situation so well. Hell, to this day I'm still not convinced "Heaven Beside You" wasn't about Layne.
Incidentally, I feel Jerry Cantrell is very underrated as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
Love your explanations of layne’s singing. It’s spot on!
There will never, EVER be another duo like Layne and Jerry.. Their harmonizing is 2nd to NONE.. I could watch the unplugged show everyday and it never gets old..🤘