It's been a little over 20 years since Alice in Chains released an album called Dirt. I listened to it tonight. This is one of my favorites from that time period. This recording had many memorable songs: Angry Chair, Rooster, Them Bones, Down in a Hole, and Would?. It was the best and worst music of the grunge movement.

I say best because the music really holds up to the test of time. This album is a tour-de-force. It was the very best a very talented band had to offer. AiC's other releases were good, but Dirt stands at the pinnacle of their achievements. As such I rank it near the top of music from the 90's.

I say worst because it is completely depressing. Nearly half of the songs relate to drug addiction. There's no anthem to be had here. Just a collection of brilliant but dark songs. A prelude to Layne Staley's ignominious death from drug addiction in 2002.

I encourage our younger members to give it a chance. It is in my top ten rock recordings of all time. If nothing else, listen to Would? Great song!