Band:	Alice In Chains
Album:	Dirt
Style:	Grunge, Heavy metal
Release date:	September 29, 1992
Guest review by:	Nosurper

01. Them Bones
02. Dam That River
03. Rain When I Die
04. Down In A Hole
05. Sickman
06. Rooster
07. Junkhead
08. Dirt
09. God Smack
10. Iron Gland (Unlisted) [feat Tom Araya]
11. Hate To Feel
12. Angry Chair
13. Would?

Dirt is a cathartic classic and an album that deserves a review of some kind. Haunting harmonies encompass lyrics that depreciate and belittle. Their vocal tones can truly hypnotize the listener. Yes, Alice In Chains waste no time in shoveling the weight of their sound onto you, with "Them Bones", providing a summary of the themes of the album. "I believe them bones are me."

For four songs, Layne Staley imposingly wills onto the listener a sense of desertion. Stranded in the desert, a meek soul, with dirt scattered over your limbs. And then, with "Sickman", Alice In Chains bring the fucking dump truck in and complete the burial. "What the hell am I?" Well you're "worn eroded pride" that's what.

The unforgettable "Rooster" follows. Portraying a lone man, standing tall in a world where the barrage is consistent. Wiping the spit from his face, he hauls his buddy through the disingenuous mirth. Shoddy images of his wife and kids, tucked away in his earth saturated pockets, are his lone source of strength. Beautifully, a feeling of loneliness culminates on this song.

"You know he ain't gonna die."

Songs of addiction and depressive thoughts fit the bill at this point, and it should be noted that these themes never become overbearing within the album experience. Jerry Cantrell throws down some wonderful bluesy solos, while Layne Staley powerfully delivers the lyrics. And then the two memorable closers "Angry Chair" and "Would?" wrap the album up.

"Angry Chair" has a minor reverb on the vocals of each verse that really do the song well in giving it its atmosphere. The song seems to capture a momentary, and unwilling, loss of control. And "Would?", with its moody verses, powerful choruses, and vague finish bring the album to a close with Layne Staley (or Jerry Cantrell, really) asking THE question "If I would, could you?"

And that's the end. In my estimation, this album is about as complete as they come and I strongly recommend that you listen to Dirt if you haven't already.

R.I.P. Layne Staley