#23 Alice in Chains - Dirt
September 29, 1992 I'm almost scared to make this update after the beating grunge took yesterday....lol, but, it's where it falls on my list, and it won't be the last. Loved this album. While Facelift was very good, it wasn't as well rounded as Dirt to me. Just a great sounding and edgy album. I remember reading after it's release about the drug problems surrounding the band, and I had that sinking feeling that something tragic was in their future. Like watching the proverbial train wreck. What is it about hanging onto the edge of the abyss with one bad hand, and being able to make quantum leaps in creativity? We've seen it time and time again over the decades in Rock and Roll, and it still makes me just shake my head. Being a recovering addict, I get the draw, it's just sad that it takes substances to bring out what is already inside of us. Lots of great tracks on this one. LOVE the story behind "The Rooster", which was a nod to The Rooster, Cantrell's dad, a Vietnam vet in the 101st Airborne. "Would" is one of those anthem type songs that just resonste so well with me...love the chorus.
Favorite tracks....
The Rooster
Would
Them Bones
Down in a Hole
Dam that River
#22 Guns and Roses - Appetite for Destruction
July 21, 1987At the time this album came out, it seemed like the Hair bands were getting kinda stale, and heavy metal in general was getting a little stagnant. With the exception of thrash, which was really ramping up in '86. G&R to me, and particularly Appetite for Destruction was just a back to roots kind of old fashioned blues based Rock album. Not simplistic by any means, but just good old hard rock. They had a very unique sound, and Axl's vocals were very fresh to me at that time. Very reminiscent of a young Robert Plant in some ways. Of course later, he turned into a royal pain in the ass, but, at that time it was all peaches and cream. While I'm not a huge Slash fan as a lead guitarist, he is very good. I love his overall sound and groove. Another one of those..."I wish I had seen this tour" comment has to be interjected here. It is a regret for sure that I missed it.
Fav tracks......
Welcome to the Jungle - yeah...it was played a billion times, but it was just such a cool song
Sweet Child of Mine
Nightrain
Rocket Queen
Thinking About You