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For an Unplugged album, the musicianship displayed in this performance is beyond electric   October 31, 2006
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

When thinking of Unplugged albums, Eric Clapton and Nirvana are among the most mentioned for top honors. The show was cancelled, but when Clapton's performance was released to CD, the response showed that the concept was extremely well-received.

I believe this album is the most underrated of those recorded for the unplugged series.

This show came near the end of this grunge outfit's career with the sudden death of singer Layne Staley. However, there is nothing less than incredible energy and life breathed into these tracks by Layne and his bandmates. Songs like "No Excuses" and "Brother" from their two mainly acoustic EP's are easy standouts for their already stripped origins.

Many, including myself, are not aware that co-founder and lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell lends vocals quite often, even lead vocals. His voice combined with Staley's create an eery harmony that has made their sound signature atop the grinding guitars and bass. This is an excellent collection of songs, including "Got Me Wrong" "Rooster" and "Would", performed with an acoustic edge and stripped to their essence with perfection.

Whether a longtime follower, occasional listener, or you are completely unaware of who Alice In Chains is, this is an album to have if only to hear what happens when great musicians come together and show what they are capable of.


Who'd-a thunk it?   July 7, 2000
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

How could such a loud, heavy band hope to make their songs just as powerful using acoustic instruments? Well, on April 10, 1996 in Majestic Theater at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Alice in Chains proved themselves to be so much more than just a grunge band. Though singer Layne Staley was gaunt and weak from problems with heroine, he still had enough power in his voice to perform their hits with oomph. Also, guitarist Jerry Cantrell was sick with food poisoning from buying at a street vendor, but you'd never know it. On this album, they do all of their hits and most work very well in an acoustic format. Everything is appropriately toned down and provide a good balance throughout. "Over Now" sounds especially good, as the original wasn't very heavy to begin with. Great harmonies on this one, too. "Down in a Hole" must have had special meaning to Staley that night because of his previously mentioned condition, as the song is about the pains of drug abuse. He wore great big sunglasses and gloves to try and hide how frail he'd become and it's impressive that he could do so well that night. Everyone did great and and it's too bad more bands don't try a setting like this. It showed a lot of maturity on their part and gained them respect. I wish I could have been there that night, but this excellent CD will have to do.


Another Incredible AIC Performance   November 2, 1999
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

What an excellent performance from AIC! I've had this in my collection for over two years now, and I never get tired of it. The songs stray from the dingy electric Seattle grunge genre to become a powerful acoustic experimentation that remains unmistakably Alice In Chains. If you liked Jar Of Flies, you'll love Unplugged, and if you like thier other studio LP's you'll appreciate the familiarly powerful lyrics bathed in a beautiful new sound. This is by far the best of any MTV Unplugged performance, and a msut have for anyone who respects and appreciates AIC's work.