"Jar of Flies" is a critically acclaimed EP by the legendary American rock band Alice In Chains, released in 1994. Presented here in CD format by Columbia Records (Col), this record showcases the band's unique blend of grunge, alternative rock, and acoustic elements. With haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, tracks like "No Excuses," "I Stay Away," and "Nutshell" have become iconic within the genre. The EP made history as the first to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, cementing Alice In Chains' status as pioneers of their era. Formed in Seattle in 1987, Alice In Chains has sold over 30 million records worldwide and received multiple Grammy nominations for their influential sound that shaped a generation. Columbia Records is renowned for its long-standing tradition of supporting groundbreaking artists across genres since its founding in 1887.
At the end of 1993, the band got tired of the endless, tense tour, settled in their native Seattle and in seven days recorded a real masterpiece.
The short EP ended up being the work that best demonstrated all facets of Alice in Chains. The proprietary mixture of heavy riffs and acoustic, measured inserts here is biased towards psychedelicity and “bluesiness”. In general, a calm album carries a very strong atmosphere and is listened in one breath.
“Rotten Apple” is my favorite song from “Jar of Flies”, one of the most psychedelic in the Ellis collection. The bass insert opens, and Cantrell's solo crowns it.
Nutshell is a sad ballad, one of the band’s most famous numbers.
“I Stay Away”, “No Excuses” - grunge songs with a successful embodiment, with almost no flaws. The instrumental track is also very good. And of course, Don't Follow, with country elements and double vocals.
The authors of the lyrics of most of the songs belong to Lane Staley. If I am not mistaken, in addition to the album of the same name, this is only the second time that Jerry Cantrell ceded the role of the main lyricist to his colleague.
Well and also, "Bank with Flies" is the first single album, which started in the first places of Billboard. Nobody succeeded before him.
In general, an album that has every right to occupy its niche in rock music.