 |  | A truly classic record.... |  |
When this album came out, more than well over a decade ago, I was not entirely unfamiliar with 'grunge' at that point of time (still weaning away from GunsN'R and Iron Maiden), my exposure on the same being restricted to Nevermind and Ten, I had heard about Alice in Chains, but did not give them any serious consideration. Then my friend (god bless him) gave me this album, telling me, it was a collaborative effort by a grunge super group called Mad Season, which had Layne Staley and the usual suspects in the crew.
I have worn out this album thrice, based on the number of times i have listened to it. I got the cassette tape first and then 3 times i had to buy cos i wore it out.
This album to me represents a phenomenal musical direction, both lyrically and musically, of the member who wanted to experiment. The results are tangible, but apart from that, it was the flow that was perfect. EVERY song is pure gold!
My only regret is that Layne Staley, such a talent that he was, (for those of who you do not know, in addition, the cover art also is done by him) was dumb enough to do drugs and passed on at such a young age, when his potential was limitless.
If at all my arm was being severely twisted and i was being 'water boarded', i'd have to say my favorite tracks would be:
1. Long Gone Day - hands down, THE best (probably reading on Kerouac when they wrote this)
2. River of Deceit
3. Wake up
I doubt that there are those who have not heard this, but if you have not, please do pick it up and give it a listen. Its unreal and a setlist of songs that will give you that thing to reflect and introspect.
November 1, 2008I received this cassette as a gift when it came out in the 90's from someone I was dating at the time. I fell in love with it, not the person. All worked out as it should have and this is still a great album. I do feel it was an under-rated album. Layne Staley is raw, poetic and genuine as always. He was among the greatest singer/song writers ever. So unique, so fragile, so moving. If you like Alice In Chains and Pearl Jam, please give Mad Season a well deserved listen.
June 19, 2008Can't say much more than I enjoyed this CD more than any Alice In Chains, or any other 90's Seattle scene music! Lots relative to the pain of heroin addiction, which Staley suffered and died from way too young. The CD lyrics, with the facts surronding Staley's demise, make it eerie to the point of good music causing gooseflesh! This CD is awesome. Good luck finding it anywhere else off the shelves. The bargain of my life was this CD, right here!
April 29, 2008I first heard this album in a drafting class in high school. A friend had on his headphones as we all listened to music in the class and I asked him what he was listening to. He said Mad Season and I had never heard of them before. He handed me the headphones and Wake Up was playing. I demanded to borrow the CD and bought it soon after. Some of Layne Staley's best lyrics and all of the contributing musicians just do an incredible job. Give it a listen.
December 5, 2007| | | Layne Staley's most personal album and a must for AIC fans. | |
This was a side project of Layne Staley in the mid-90s, and it screams Alice In Chains, at least, the more acoustic side of them. Layne's voice is never better than on here, and the quirky songwriting he perfected is evident on here.
"River of Deceipt" is the single, and that is one of the best songs, with its haunting, acoustic arrangements.
"I'm Above" is the best rocker on here, and I've heard it on Syrius radio.
There are plenty of highlights on here. I would say that if you are a fan of "Sap" or "Jar of Flies" by Alice In Chains, you will love this album too.
RIP: Layne
You were the best.
August 9, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(119 reviews)