Alice In Chains: Black Gives Way To Blue

[Scripe]

Any AIC fans give this one a listen?

Let me get it out of the way that I was a huge fan of Layne Staley and at first I didn't like the idea of replacing him at all.

But thinking about AC/DC being able to successfully replace their singer, and the fact the Jerry Cantrell wrote fuck-ton of AIC's lyrics, I was willing to give the new guy (William Duvall) a chance.

Well here it is. After hearing it on the radio I had goosebumps and I bought the single. Now Duvall and Cantrell have the creepy AIC harmonies down. I wouldn't say that Duvall is trying to sing in Staley's style, but I would say that he's trying to sing in the AIC style and it has a touch of his own in there. And I really like it so far. If this song is any indication of the rest of the album I'll be buying it.

[HellboyOne]

I've heard some of it, too. He's adequate, but he'll never be Staley.

[Scripe]

I don't think Duvall has the stage presence or charisma even approaching what Layne had. When I saw Staley on stage belting out "And we die young" I wanted to be him. I couldn't grow facial hair yet, but I wanted a goatee.

That being said I'm ready to hear the next song.

[Scripe]

"Check My Brain" get's a thumbs up from me. Anyone else give it a listen yet? I think it has a sound reminiscent of circa "Facelift" and perhaps a tad of "What the Hell Have I?" It definitely sounds pre "Dirt" to me. My expectations for this album keep getting higher.

I called a friend of mine who was also a big AIC fan and asked if he had heard the new songs. He told me "Yeah I heard it on the radio the other day and thought, is this some new unreleased Alice In Chains?" So I assumed he liked it. "It sucks man, the singer is trying too much to sound like Layne Staley."

So when he thought it was Staley it was cool, but when it turned out to be a new guy some perceived loyalty to Staley wouldn't let him like it. It's not like Layne was kicked out of the band, he hid in his house, didn't answer the door and did heroine until it killed him. I loved Staley but I am not betraying anyone for enjoying the new songs without him.

[Nightwing]

dunno, the sound is there, just cant get into the singing...it sounds flat or something, none of the dimension that staley had...not a bad singer though

[Moonman]

dunno, the sound is there, just cant get into the singing...it sounds flat or something, none of the dimension that staley had...not a bad singer though

Exactly. The guys is singing like Staley, but the voice just...yeah, it's not bad, but it aint as good. Not that I blame 'em. I can't imagine a way another way to sing an AIC song than the way they've always been sung.

[Scripe]

I've come to find out that the majority of the lead vocals are being done by Jerry with backup from Duvall. Duvall does take lead vocal duties in some songs and he Jerry are more like co-singers on the album instead of lead and back up. there are some truly haunting songs on here like "Your Decision" "Private Hell" and "Black Gives Way To Blue". "When The Sun Rose Again" Jerry is slightly imitating Layne's vocal style and it fucking sounds like Layne is on the track. It sounds respectful not shameful. I think the album is worth buying. It's the first album I've bought whole in years and it's weakest song is still pretty good.