Well I just got done listening to all studio albums by grunge rockers, Alice In Chains on Apple Music. Listened to the three Layne Staley era albums “Facelift”, “Dirt” & “self titled” albums… I also listened to their EP “Jar of Flies” which I heard so many times. I also listened to the two William Duvall era albums, “Black Gives Way to Blue” and “The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here”.

I’ll have to say that the Layne Staley era albums were absolute masterpieces. I’d have to say that “Jar of Flies” would have to be my favorite of theirs, though. “Jar of Flies” the 7 track EP is a masterpiece and one phenomenal record… that is one album I’ll never get tired of listening to ever.

I listened to the two William Duvall albums today and I wasn’t so thrilled by them. Jerry Cantrell played killer guitars on both records, of course but I’m not so thrilled with Duvall’s singing. To me he’s just a Layne copycat and trying so hard to sound like him. Duvall does sound like Layne when he sings but not even close. No one could ever copy Layne’s vocals ’cause Layne has his own distinct style. Plus Duvall can’t write lyrics and create vocal melodies the way Layne did. Layne was the better songwriter than Duvall.

Alice In Chains is a great band, I just prefer the Layne era. So I don’t think I’ll support the Duvall era. I think my favorite Alice In Chains records would have to be their “Jar of Flies” EP and “Dirt”.

In my opinion, this band should have never went on without Layne ’cause to me Alice In Chains is Layne and no other singer. I think the band made a huge mistake continuing on without Layne after he died.

Kev