Classic Album Retrospect (Dirt - Alice in Chains)

Dirt - Alice in Chains

 Dirt was the second studio album released by grunge band Alice in Chains. Dirt was originally released in 1992 and peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200. The album has an heavy emotional theme, focusing on subjects like drugs, war and depression, critics and fans liked this and the album has sold over five million copies thus making it four times platinum certified. Dirt was the last album to feature the original lineup (Staley, Cantrell, Starr and Kinney) as Starr would be outed for drug abuse in 1993. Dirt is the album that defines the band's sound.

 But all that good stuff was nigh on twenty years ago, does the album still hold up today? Lets give it a spin and find out.

Notable Tracks

 Them Bones - Them Bones is the first track and second single from the record and features the most recognisable vocal style from the album. Them Bones see vocalist Staley distorted effects on a scream that is truly unique to Alice in Chains. Them Bones has a slow and low guitar riff that builds during the choruses. Them Bones sets the tone for the rest of the album.   

 Dam That River - Dam That River directly follows Them Bones on the track list but takes a very different approach. Dam That River is faster and has a more hard rock tone. The track features a short solo near the two minute mark which is uncommon on most grunge tracks. 

 Rooster - Rooster is featured at the halfway mark of the album and reverts back to a slow, sombre tone. With a deep bass line and longed vocals, Rooster is truly a grungy track. At a massive 6:14, Rooster does all it can in its power to stay fresh with ornamented vocals and guitar flairs throughout. Rooster was released as a single in the march of '93.

 Down in a Hole - Normally these bullet lists are in track list order but Down in a Hole likes to jump about on every re-release so it is here in twelfth. Down in a Hole starts off with a peaceful humming while the guitar stir into life. Down in a Hole's lyrics focus on addiction and relationships with drugs making for a deep and meaningful track. 

 Would? - Would? is the final track on the record but was the first single released. Would? starts like a nu metal track but soon blends into a ominous riff. Would? also features a short solo near the two minute mark which adds to the personality of the track. Would?'s lyrics focus on the death of Andrew Wood (Leader singer of alternative rock band Mother Love Bone) and other musicians who have died ass a result of drugs. (brutally ironic?) 

 After a day of listening and re-listening, Dirt has aged well but is still audibly old as most grunge has died out on the music scene. Tracks like Rooster and Down in a Hole have aged the most solely due to their length but are still enjoyable to listen to, while tracks like Would? and Them Bones still hold up well as they are shorter and to the point with a lot of accessibility. Alice in Chains are still around today, albeit with a different vocalist, and appeared at this year's Sonisphere festival and last year's Download festival.

 To wrap up, here is the music video for Would, released on June 7th 1992 (video linked here for mobile users)