Alice in Chains - MTV Unplugged (Live) (1996)

Alice in Chains - MTV Unplugged (Live) (1996)

Alice in Chains – MTV Unplugged (Live) (1996): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts

Released in July 1996, MTV Unplugged captures Alice in Chains’ legendary acoustic performance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. The live album showcases the band’s ability to translate their heavy, grunge sound into haunting acoustic arrangements, highlighting the depth of their songwriting and the power of Layne Staley’s vocals.

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Album Overview

Recorded on April 10, 1996, for the MTV Unplugged series, the album features stripped-down versions of classic Alice in Chains tracks, as well as select deep cuts. The performance emphasizes acoustic guitars, minimal percussion, and rich vocal harmonies, offering a more intimate perspective on the band’s music.

This live session is particularly notable because it was one of the last major performances with Layne Staley before his long absence from public appearances, making it a historically significant recording.

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Tracklist – Alice in Chains: MTV Unplugged (Live) (1996)

1. Them Bones

2. Would?

3. Over Now

4. Heaven Beside You

5. No Excuses

6. Love, Hate, Love

7. Angry Chair

8. Man in the Box

9. Rooster

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Album Review

MTV Unplugged opens with “Them Bones,” reimagined acoustically, giving the intense track a haunting, raw edge. “Would?” retains its emotional power, with layered vocal harmonies accentuating the dark lyrical themes.

“Over Now” and “Heaven Beside You” highlight the band’s softer, melodic side, demonstrating that their songwriting is as compelling stripped of distortion as it is amplified. The performance of “Love, Hate, Love” is a standout, featuring emotional vocal delivery and intimate instrumentation that underscores the band’s dynamic range.

“Rooster”, one of the band’s most iconic songs, closes the set with a powerful, acoustic-driven rendition, showing the lasting impact of Jerry Cantrell’s guitar work and Staley’s evocative singing. Overall, the album is both haunting and beautiful, offering a different perspective on Alice in Chains’ grunge mastery.

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Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know

• • Fun Fact: This MTV Unplugged performance was one of Layne Staley’s last live appearances before his health declined.

• • Trivia: The album was recorded at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, with a small, intimate audience to enhance the acoustic vibe.

• • Did You Know? The acoustic arrangements give heavier songs like Them Bones and Angry Chair a more haunting, emotional depth.

• • Fun Fact: MTV Unplugged peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200, showing strong commercial reception for an acoustic live album.

• • Did You Know? Many critics consider this performance one of the greatest acoustic sets in rock history, highlighting the band’s songwriting and vocal harmonies.

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MTV Unplugged (Live) (1996) is a must-listen for Alice in Chains fans, offering a stripped-down, emotional version of their classics. It captures the raw vulnerability and melodic sophistication of the band, cementing its place as one of the most memorable acoustic performances in rock history.

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