Hey, there’s a new album from Alice In Chains on the way; the band is going to enter the studio next month, after “polishing and spit-shining” some new material in August. Of course, the lead singer role will be played by a different person, what with original frontman Layne Staley dying in 2002; that man is Atlanta punk lifer William DuVall, who’s been fronting the band since 2006. How does DuVall hold up? Compare his take on the Alice In Chains classic “Man In The Box,” which I’ve placed after the jump, with the original version above.
The YouTube commentariat is, somewhat predictably, divided on the relative merits. But I think DuVall acquits himself fairly decently.
ALICE IN CHAINS To Enter Studio In October [Blabbermouth]
Saw them live at Jones Beach last summer opening for Velvet Revolver. The guy sounds almost identical to Staley.
It’s interesting — I wouldn’t call him a ringer for Staley exactly, but his take on the vocals works fine. It’s subtly different without being jarring.
Besides, let’s be honest…had Staley lived, given his addled condition, would his voice have sounded this good anytime after 1996 or so?
(Al?)
Did they ever have credibility? They are probably the band most responsible for the horrible Creed/Nickelback/Staind-style of singing that–God forbid–plagues us to this day.
@Big Gray.: They had (and have) plenty of credibility. The difference between AIC and all those bands you mentioned is that when AIC does it, it’s not an imitation.
@loudersoft: Hmm. The only time I ever liked them was when they were trying not to sound like AIC. I think they were/are pretty much crap and shall stand by that statement.
the sap ep is still pretty killer. still listen to it fairly often, everything else, while good for its time, has not held up very well at all.
@loudersoft: Doesn’t mean it’s good though.
@Captain Wrong: for their time, they were pretty damn good. me thinks.. they were purely an in the now type of band. they definitely served some kind of purpose, at least for me, from 90-93.
Still works for me. But then, I’m still pretty angsty.
@Captain Wrong: Well ok, you’re right. But I would like to defend AIC by pointing out the song “Would” from the soundtrack to Singles which, in a roundabout way, legitimizes them as part of an important movement in the history of American music (along with Screaming Trees, Smashing Pumpkins and….uh….Citizen Dick). Look, I always liked that soundtrack.
Let the floodgates of dissent open.
Since Jerry Cantrell was the main songwriter in the band (and the lone one of most of their biggest hits), why shouldn’t he be able to write new material under the AiC name? Can’t say I’ve listened to them much in the last ten years, but that self-titled album is definitely an underrated gem…
People seem to think that finding replacement for someone irreplaceable happens overnight…they never could have got back on track ASAP. loudersoft has it right… he was quite a presence. Bless the poor guy…addiction happens to us all in one shape or another. He was amazing. But these guys deserve support and another chance. They are that good.
@Big Gray.:
Hell yes they were credible. Listen to Dirt. A classic album in every sense.
Maybe they were influenced by Alice In Chains, but Creed/Nickelback/Staind are responsible for their own shitty singing.
@loudersoft: Any time someone sneaks dissonance into the Top 40, they should be commended. The progressions in Would has many things that should not be.
Let’s be honest; if Staley had managed to clean up, they’d probably be on an STP-style reunion tour right now, with the same predictable hand-wringing about whether or not he was going to fall off the wagon. And folks going to the shows would probably be disappointed.
As a fan of AIC, I’m glad that the remaining band members are able to write new songs and tour. I doubt I’ll like their new stuff, but what else are they going to do?
I wish they would have found a replacement sooner, then they could have pulled an AC/DC-like upset, instead of people assuming reunion tour worst.
@LostTurntable: Despite what you might think or know about Layne Staley, his presence loomed large over the band, both in his absence and his death.
This guy sucks not because of his voice but because he is singing for cover
band now alice could continue with new stuff but the second he sings for
Layne Staley that’s all it is a crapy cover band respect Layne Staley and
just do new songs with this guy but he couldn’t shine Layne Staley shoes not
because of his voice but his lack charisma if you don’t think so just watch
the mtv unplugged and put this new guy in place of Layne Staley see if it
feel right or half as good that s way jerry was always in the shadow no
charisma