Jar Of Flies
A**X
A Moody Masterpiece Gets a Stunning Presentation
Alice In Chains' "Jar of Flies" is an undeniable classic, a haunting, introspective dive into acoustic territory that solidified their place as more than just another grunge band. This particular release, the Tri-Color exclusive vinyl pressing, takes an already essential album and elevates it with a stunning aesthetic.The Music (If you somehow don't know it):Let's be clear, the music is the star. "Jar of Flies" boasts some of the band's most emotionally resonant work. The stripped-down instrumentation allows Layne Staley's vocals to truly shine, revealing a vulnerability not always present in the band's heavier material. From the melancholic beauty of "Nutshell" and "No Excuses" to the darkly hypnotic "Rotten Apple" and "I Stay Away," this EP is a masterclass in atmosphere. The acoustic guitars weave intricate melodies, Mike Inez's bass lines provide a subtle grounding, and Sean Kinney's percussion is both restrained and impactful. It's an album that demands to be listened to in its entirety, a journey into the heart of darkness and beauty.The Tri-Color Presentation:Now, onto the real reason we're here – the visuals. The tri-color vinyl is a genuine work of art. The specific colors will depend on the pressing, but the swirling patterns of color are mesmerizing and perfectly complement the album's mood. It’s not just a record; it's a visual experience that enhances the listening process. Imagine spinning this beauty on your turntable, the colors reflecting the somber beauty of the music – it's a captivating experience.The packaging often includes high-quality gatefold sleeves with original album artwork and lyrics, which is always a plus for die-hard fans. The overall presentation feels premium and reinforces the album's status as a significant piece of music history.Sound Quality:While sound quality can vary between pressings, the recent reissues of "Jar of Flies" on vinyl generally offer a warm and dynamic listening experience. The acoustic instruments are given space to breathe, and the nuances of Staley’s vocal performance are captured beautifully. The vinyl format brings an extra layer of depth and richness that may be missing in digital versions.Pros:Essential Music: "Jar of Flies" is a timeless classic, a must-have for any Alice In Chains fan or anyone interested in melancholic and atmospheric rock.Stunning Visual Presentation: The tri-color vinyl adds a unique and beautiful visual dimension to the listening experience.High-Quality Packaging: The gatefold sleeves and included artwork enhance the overall package and feel premium.Excellent Sound Quality: Generally offers a warm, dynamic listening experience compared to digital formats.Collectibility: Exclusive pressings like this are often sought after by collectors, making it a worthwhile investment for fans.Cons:Price: Exclusive vinyl pressings often come with a higher price tag.Availability: These are often limited edition and can be hard to find.Overall:The Alice In Chains "Jar of Flies" Tri-Color exclusive vinyl is more than just a record; it's a collector's item, a piece of art, and a testament to the power and beauty of this iconic EP. While the price might be a consideration, the stunning visual presentation and enhanced listening experience make it a worthwhile purchase for any serious fan. It’s a beautiful way to revisit a masterpiece and appreciate it on a deeper level. If you have the opportunity to own this version, it’s highly recommended. This is proof that an iconic album can still be a rewarding experience after all these years.Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
A**S
One of the top Grunge/Alternative albums
If you know grunge, you probably know AiC, and this album. If you don't, do yourself a favor and get familiar with this album. Alice in Chains ranged from moody, melodious, poetic songs of existential sorrows, to grinding and angry, but /always/ completely unique. Self-aware, reflective, and honest to the bone. Layne Staley's voice was one of the most unique the 90's had to offer; he had the passion, range, and vocal texture to both lull and energize.Lyrically complex, evocative, and universal in scope: some of the themes ever-present in 90's grunge become much more alive, complex, and connecting in the hands of this group.I'm not pretending to be a music critic; this commentary is straight from the heart.
C**N
First Rock EP to hit #1 on the Billboard charts
7 classic acoustic/rock songs. Have it on tape, cd, and now vinyl.Such a huge fan of Alice In Chains.Missed Layne’s demonic but 🤘 voice and the blend of Jerry’s backing vocals, so perfectly in sync
G**E
It’s about time: flies - jars - chains
Daniel San - This is an extremely good album by AIC. OG copies of this are very pricey, and they only made a few since this was released primarily on CD. The sound quality and overall weight of the vinyl is spot on. This is a quality must have for any AIC Fan. My suggestion is when it shows up, catch a few flies mid-flight using chopsticks while listening to the album then plan on building your own dojo - Mr. Miyagi.
C**Y
Review, in a Nutshell...
Great pressing, great sound, shipped in Amazon's pretty bulletproof packaging. Should come with a free hug after you listen maybe....this album is heavy on the dark emotions. Beautiful.
J**N
Goated album
Top 5 albums oat
A**H
Classic EP, but there are better pressings
I was extremely excited to get the re-release of Jar of Flies on vinyl, considering most copies previous to this release go for extraordinary prices online. I have to say that while it sounds good, I was not as impressed as I would have liked to be with this pressing. The bass guitar is set in the mix well, but the kick drum seems to be louder and bassier than everything else while the snare feels buried. These issues seem especially prominent through Rotten Apple and Nutshell. The record also needed a VERY thorough cleaning before attempting to play and even after that, there still were quite a few pops throughout I Stay Away. And although this was how it was originally released, I still find it strange that side one is nearly 20 minutes long while side 2 is only just over 10.One incredible highlight though is how well Whale & Wasp sounds with its placement as the first track on side 2. This could also be because the song does not have drums, but it sounds absolutely beautiful. Don’t Follow sounds equally beautiful and haunting as it also has very limited percussion.Overall, Jar of Flies still sounds amazing, but I wish a 30th anniversary vinyl would’ve had a little more care put into the sound quality, especially knowing what previous presses sell for on the second hand market.
C**.
Love this album!
So many good memories it invokes for my 90’s childhood! Can wait to get the vinyl, After eons, they finally rereleased the vinyl, when it was outta print! Love it, I even bought me a walkman to go with it!
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