Classical Composer Reacts to ALICE IN CHAINS: WOULD? | The Daily Doug (Episode 823)

#aliceinchains #would?
In this edition of #thedailydoug, I'm releasing a previously filmed reaction from September of 2023. For my Patreon audience, I reviewed Dirt by Alice in Chains...hearing the entire album for the very first time. Today, I'm excerpting and sharing my reaction to the last song on the album, Would?, and including my original closing thoughts for the full album.
My review of the entire album is available for those in my 2nd tier and up over on Patreon...along with over 70 other albums in this series alone! I hope you'll join and enjoy all of my Patreon content! And, I hope you enjoy this reaction!
Reference Video: • Alice In Chains - Would
🎶 Full album reactions and MUCH more on my Patreon! 🎶
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[@Yehetto]

"If I would, could you?" is one of the *BEST* endings to any rock song.

[@keithfranke4739]

💯💯💯

[@profilen5181]

meh

[@clifhaley5150]

"So I made a big mistake. Try to see it once my way." The plea of so many people.

[@heatheral-hammadi3046]

The plea of so many addicts. Me included.

[@bigwave25]

One of the best voices of all time.

[@shacozzi4888]

Nevermind's prestige aside, this is probably the best and most iconic grunge album of all time

[@chrisvanderwielen1530]

AiC was, head and shoulders, above Nirvana. Overall, I found the Grunge-era rather lackluster. However, it did churn out some of the most iconic rock vocalists.

[@revwillyg6450]

AIC is a metal band who fit in with grunge. This is a perfect album, all the way through

[@rwpmusic]

I worship this record. But one word to consider. SUPERUNKNOWN

[@roger16trekkie]

Nevermind Nevermind. Nirvana sucked. Grunge sucked. Cobain was far from being a genius. AIC was a metal band.

[@Rolli6669]

@@revwillyg6450 totally 100% true. I know because I'm a metalhead and when I was a kid Nirvana was not cool because it was grunge but Alice In Chains was perfectly ok for that exact reason lol.

[@Cryptic-1-9-1-1]

This whole album was a masterpiece. The early to mid 90's spawned so much incredible music

[@korporalkarrot]

I’m 52 years old and this album came out during a dark period of my life. When I listen now, there are still tracks like this or Down in a Hole that still bring tears to my eyes. The anguish just comes through so perfectly in the vocals. Grunge was essentially over the day it was released because nothing in the genre could ever top it.

[@d4mdcykey]

Yeah, 61 here and Nutshell and Down In A Hole on the Unplugged concert just destroys me to this day. So many of us back then didn't make it, but some of us did, and there is no rhyme or reason to who left and who stayed. The world can be a very strange place.

[@Prognosis__]

Probably still up there as my top 5 albums. I was in high school when it dropped

[@Ghost-um2jw]

51....same!

[@real_airgot]

I think the only other album that came close to Dirt was Superunknown

[@christineporter-m4e]

52 in a week and Laynes voice still haunts me. In a good way.

[@PetesMusicTweets]

A full "Jar of Flies" listen would be amazing to watch, and it wouldn't take too long.

[@lihli2103]

One of the saddest things is that the death of Andy Wood had such an impact on everyone and Layne ended up going down the same path even though Andy’s death had affected him so much. I wish Andy’s passing could have at least saved some of these other guys from the same fate.

[@Mackerdaymia]

That ending is iconic. I loved seeing your brain readjusting to the jarring key change. It's a simple, almost poppy run down but Layne's delivery over the top and how he bends the notes in "Am I wrong?" and "Have I gone?" gets me everytime. Something about the production, the warm chord but his disharmony that is beautiful and painful. Topped off with the almost jazzy "If I could, would you?" coda, it's a real grunge gem.

[@RunTFC]

Well said.

[@severinlourenco8355]

As a 80s Rock fan, AIC is the only band I followed during the Grunge era, and Would is my favorite 😍.

[@chrishansel95]

Then you missed out, Sound garden is my other favorite.

[@cletusbeauregard1972]

Soundgarden's gonna mess you up.

[@fendi-bull8167]

Them Bones and Would? For me. That album is star and finish as masterpiece

[@Shredward-dl2gp]

"Jar of flies" is an AMAZING ep! It's more musical, and emotional as well. 30 minutes of joy and tears!

[@lastborn11]

“Would” has traditionally been the capstone song for AIC concerts … the full context makes it such a powerful way to conclude! Legends !!

[@ledrhodes5077]

Great song from one of the greatest rocks bands ever. I loved your comments on it. You touched on the fact that the album "sounds" great, which I believe you were referring to the production of the recordings and I would agree 100%. I have been a guitar player for most of my life and Jerry Cantrell was a big influence on me. Particularly how he controls his tone of his guitar. He has such great feel. Also, he taught me that doing less is often more in terms of guitar composition, which I think you were somewhat referring to when you said he did "just the right amount". Would love to see some more AIC song reactions from you! Great job on this one!

[@KyleCollins-ny4em]

He’s got a new album comin.

[@longgrayline8055]

It’s hard to believe that within a span of 2.5 years, Nevermind, Ten, Dirt, and Core were released during the Grunge/Rock Alt early 90’s.

[@LarryCurley]

Badmotorfinger and Temple of the Dog. '91 to '95 were some great years for music.

[@joebruenger2323]

Don't forget Smashing Pumpkins

[@duggy889]

@@LarryCurley Temple is a great recording. Yep, a great time for super releases !

[@robmaddison8645]

Dust The Screaming Trees

[@falloutfan2502]

"if I would" overdose and die, "could you" write a song for me? Greatest album closer ever! Gives me chills every time I hear it, 30 years later.

[@shacozzi4888]

@@falloutfan2502 always thought it was about the hopelessness and realizations an 'outsider' feels and experiences they see their friend fall victim to addiction: If I would reach out and offer help, would the addict even accept it? If his friend(s) could get addicted to heroin and overdose, could he fall victim to the disease as well?

[@AndDeathForAll82]

Goddamn😢😢

[@davidede7778]

I thought it was more like “If I would” overcome my addiction, “could you?” Either or Both would be so poignant in context. “Would” being a reference to “Wood” the person , I could definitely see the interpretation you brought up

[@paradoxi2649]

Good suggestions. I thought it was "If I could have ( helped, been a better friend, been more in tune with what you were going through, etc.) would you still be here?" That haunted me (and still does) after a friend's suicide.

[@dvpe]

Layne's vocal is so unique! Unbelievable, you can't find anything like that in the rock's history! AMAZING!

[@sim0n17]

Alice in Chains... Doug exclaims, "They're not happy!" yep, core concept there with all AiC ♥

[@Mister_Samsonite]

I absolutely LOVE this whole album! The performances and production border on perfection - everything just sounds so huge!

[@dasninjastix]

Few things make me happier than seeing Alice in Chains get the recognition they deserve as being one of the greatest rock acts of any era. I hope Jerry knows how the fanbase is still growing all these years on and how much we all still love Layne and Mike.

[@Rab35]

AIC is one of my favorite bands. Would? is my favorite AIC track and Layne Staley is my favorite vocalist. His voice is so unique and undeniable. No singer is like him.

[@dust4magnet]

I don't know if you've done it, but a deep analysis of Soundgarden's Superunknown is paramount. That's another towering album of the era. The deeper album cuts are probably even more impactful than the singles and better known songs.

[@Shammrock62]

Black Hole Sun is tied to this song as well. "Wash it all away" is lyric from MLB's Apple.

[@daddiikong1602]

JunkHead, Dirt, God Smack, Hate to Feel, and Angry Chair are a mini concept album. They are written by Layne about his descent into addiction. Powerful story.

[@kylelewis4685]

This is one of the GOATS.

[@AkamoriRivals]

My favorite grunge band ever.

[@Devypocalypse]

AiC are one of rhe absolute greatest bands ever. Just unreal.

[@konstantinosbg]

masterpiece.........thank you sir .

[@cletusbeauregard1972]

This whole album's one of the most brilliant journeys through Hell ever conceived.

[@ElfinMadness]

Great song, great basslines, vocals from both Cantrell and Staley. One of my faves.

[@shirazzza]

Ah my "little sister" & I would sing AiC songs, I would do Jerry & she would do Laynes parts. It was always so fun. We lost her to cancer just over a year ago. It's just not the same though i do have lyrics tattooed on me "have I run too far to get home" cos yeah I've been running my whole life. RIP Andy Wood as well. You would love "this is shangrila"

[@MetalFriscoDude79]

I've always been amazed just how incredible Layne Stayley and Jerry Cantrell's vocal harmonies really are. You should check out Jerry Cantrell's solo records too

[@catmanduu66]

I listen to this album quite often. One of my favorite albums of all time. It's weird, I guess, as dark as this album is it always makes me happy to listen to it. Perhaps that says something about me, who knows.

[@rustcohle9647]

My interpretation of "if I would, could you?" is that ppl judge others too easy, and most of them could too make a such mistake.

[@georgeresso6835]

it is my belief that DIRT is the greatest grunge album ever created.....

[@KyleCollins-ny4em]

Let’s make it a fact.

[@dennisroach5424]

I'd say the second best... after Facelift :)

[@dennisroach5424]

Retraction. Probably my favorite AIC songs are on Facelift, but Dirt is the better album overall

[@mac_pe]

PJ's Ten.

[@erdemduman23]

Might be after Facelift and Superunknown :))

[@_jm0n3y8oo_]

One of the greatest songs to come out of that era

[@franbishop9277]

Grunge was hit or miss for me back in the day - but these guys were so unique and had such a memorable sound. I always like this album. Great review. Thank you Doug. This album is intense

[@metalmark1214]

Would have to say this is my favorite Alice in Chains song. Pun intended.

[@MetalFriscoDude79]

It's my favorite AIC album

[@penoyer79]

The forshadowing in this song is startling. I love how they put the bridge at the end of the song.

[@JeremyPleso]

Timeless album. Pain is pain no matter what decade we're in. We all can relate on various levels.

[@FeralPatrick]

My favorite AiC song, and in my opinion, a perfect song, structurally, tonally, emotionally. Brilliant.

[@LeeB41]

Doug, you really need to check out some Mother Love Bone. Such an amazing and talented band. A very integral part of the early Seattle grunge scene.

[@Whisper_Pickle]

Crown of Thorns 😮

[@kele22]

remember when this came out.... just an amazing song.

[@williamcarbajal383]

Yes! More Alice in Chains! 🤘😎

[@marshallgeorge3819]

One of the best albums of the 1990's. Great lyrics, tones ranging from moody and heady to downright filthy. This established Jerry Cantrell as a guitar tone legend.

[@matthewgoodA1206]

Genuinely my favorite song of all time. The official music video rewired my world at the ripe old age of 14 years. That minor bass line is always haunting. The chorus simply rocks. And the outro just sounds good to me. Layne in the vid has outstanding rock style. Still the coolest looking rocker I’ve ever seen. I think his voice was incredibly unique but not as accessible. But AIC rocked the hardest and darkest of all.

[@duggy889]

Great band, great album. I also like the AIC Unplugged album. I am 68 years old and still crank the S... out of this recording....... Rock on !!!!

[@contrakt0r]

There are very few albums that haven't aged for me. Operation:Mindcrime by Queensryche is one and this is another. It got me through some dark days and it still continues to help me. I'd love to see your reaction to Rooster.

[@TribalGuitars]

The tragic irony is Lane died of a speedball overdose. He alienated everyone to the point that they didn't find his body for 2 weeks because nobody noticed he hadn't been heard from and nobody cared. For me, I put Jerry's solo for "I Stay Away" in the echelon of perfect emotional solos along with "Wish You Were Here" (Pink Floyd/David Gilmour). It's what a solo should be: A song within a song, and something that takes you above the song and then lands back in perfectly.

[@edroy2523]

Wish You Were Here.... yes... Can we have a Jerry and Gilmour collab?

[@onsesejoo2605]

If my memory serves me, the story has it that the bank contacted to the relatives since there had been no money withdrawals from his account.

[@inessabanovic8491]

Of course they cared. What an insensitive thing to say. You obviously have no idea what is like to deal with these kind of situations. EVERYONE cared, he was loved. But you can't help a person who does not want to be saved.

[@sagittated]

Pretty harsh to say no one cared. Layne chose his path, and the endless stream of residuals into his bank account became an endless stream of obliteration of himself. Yes, no one was there. He had everyone he chose.

[@tevetorbes456]

Absolutely a fantastic album. Arguably the best grunge band band.

[@mrufino1]

This song is so incredible. My favorite from this band. Incredible grinding bass, amazing vocals, guitar that just lays a great canvas for those vocals, and those unbelievable drum fills at the end that push the song over the top. I didn’t realize this song was about Andrew Wood.

[@mcelfishb]

This came out during my college formative years. I believe they are not appreciated as they should be. And this album is truly iconic. I love what you said about a release, a pressure release. That's been something I couldn't state in my mind, but a perfect description. Thank you!

[@RenfieldXIII]

If you haven't listened to Mother Love Bone before, you REALLY need to put "Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns" on your list.

[@pamB9134]

" Into the flood again, same ol trip it was back then" .... drug use is a dark and terrible tragedy, no matter how someone tries to get clean, that temptation is always there. Sad 😢 too many great artists we've lost due to the struggle of addiction.

[@mkcatuara]

I was floored as well after hearing the album start to finish. It’s such a good story with such good feel to it.

[@markdeloria20]

You're not joking when you said this is powerful music. Alice In Chains is my personal favorite of all the grunge bands (all are excellent, but AIC just affects me more emotionally) and Dirt is my favorite album of theirs. And this is my favorite song of theirs. Intense.

[@maximilianodelrio]

Hell yeah! Keep doing more Alice In Chains, they never disappoint

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Loved the way you described this.

[@cdolan13]

Most people cite Jar Of Flies as their favorite Alice In Chains album, but Dirt will always be my favorite, only partially for the reasons you stated.

[@joelmacdonald6994]

Dirt is definitely the best. Jar of Flies is still great, but Dirt is a great album that combines metal and grunge. Jar doesn’t do it the same. Dirt is gateway grunge for Metalheads.

[@HotQahwe]

it is brutally truthful, I've lost friends to drugs and addictions ..this album really is as close to the DIRT as you can get, and I really love listening to Alice in Chains when I need to feel that pain in music, I've never heard such awfully dreadful music from anyone, at least, nothing that has made me feel so low. I love Jar of Flies/SAP, but this album is so DIRTY its almost hard to listen to . I LOVE the music but it's super dark, just like the rest of their catalogue. What separates this album (for me) is the feeling that it is all taking place in those dark houses (Junkhead) and I try not to get so into it because it's awful stuff people are doing to themselves when they could be doing better...if only they WOULD ?

[@andysmith4734]

This song was initially released on the soundtrack for the movie 'Singles' before Dirt came out. Great movie, awesome soundtrack and apparently the inspiration for the sitcom 'Friends' .... Band members for Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden all make cameos.

[@JadedHunter]

One of my favourite bands from high school

[@kdsmoke]

Dirt was so heavy and nasty. I loved every single thing they done with Layne. Dirt blew us all away, a lot of us was in a dark space when Dirt came out and it helped a little of us so much! It helped tons of people and killed Layne 💔 Andy Wood, Layne Shannon Hoon had sooooooo much more to give but the drugs grabbed them and just wouldn’t let go. I know that pain all too well 😒

[@midibenni]

would is a masterpiece

[@marshallgeorge3819]

Where is the video of the full album reaction? I'd love to see it as this album is outstanding.

[@stevegreen5552]

It's just the way I am. Even though I write lyrics for my own songs I rarely "hear" the lyrics of songs I listen to. I might hang on to certain phrases but the meanings of the words pass me by. I don't doubt I'm missing a significant part of these songs but it's the way my brain is wired. The music, tones, harmonies, rhythms, choice of instrument are what reaches me. The voice is just another (often incredible) instrument. With that out of the way, "Dirt" is amongst my favourite albums. The overall mix, the intervals, the melodies that have a degree of unpredictability... actually it could be my favourite album of the 90s.

[@sanandaallsgood673]

Hey, Doug. I know you're off this week, but I've gone back quite a way and haven't seen any coverage on a band from the 80s that were VERY popular. Two of their albums went triple Platinum and Platinum, and that would be Cinderella. You might find the voice of the lead singer, Tom Keifer a unique and captivating voice. Just a suggestion.

[@jm12green31]

I love Doug is always like this song was somewhere in the recesses of my mind haha. Yeah man the radio like most of us that are over the age of 30. Those were the good old days

[@IDKsomeguy9]

Great song. I just recently found out that Opeth did a fantastic job covering this one.

[@JeffreyTheTaylor]

The entire Temple of the Dog project was an ode to Wood, particularly the opening track "Say Hello 2 Heaven," it is a banger you should check out. Future Pearl Jam members Stone Gossard (guitar) and Jeff Ament (bass) were founders of Mother Love Bone.

[@seansense]

Songs from Temple of the Dog were gay

[@robphillips8351]

Layne Staley straight up kicks @ss vocally

[@philltolkien5082]

Beautiful harmonies.

[@Lasse3]

So very dark, this whole album.. i mean just looking at the cover while listening, that whole experience reeks of death and desperation. Also the fact that I were introduced to this music during a very low point of my life, listening to it here again just bring back a lot of painful memories.

[@920WASHBURN]

I was on acid when i first heard this album. Before that I had listened pretty much exclusively to rap. It changed me.

[@alvarogonzales4145]

My favorite of Alice in Chains!!! Yes i have the album!!! Its a killer album

[@Engenification]

Would is my nr1 song - i go to that particular song any time, the album is s masterpiece.!

[@brianvernon249]

Would is like “Where ever I may Roam” - the Ending/outro/coda is the best part & sonically relevant.

[@fractalshapes]

song is flawless

[@shfnderrock]

Love these videos

[@plotevil5884]

A lot of "this is my favorite song" but I lean "I Stay Away." That's haunting.

[@ZIG4ZAG20]

“Nutshell” hauntingly realistic and scary.😎🤘🖖✌️

[@JP33zy]

My favorite AiC song ever.

[@user-gy8pc4qu9w]

Alice in Chains? Subscribed immediately ❤️

[@mikeswilling3909]

Among all the Seattle bands from that era, Alice In Chains and Soundgarden are my favorites because of the music. The lyrics from all of them were dark. Drugs and the weather in Seattle bring folks down.

[@iLuseMy1v1s]

As good as their album is, the unplugged versions hit different. Especially down in a hole, nutshell, would?, sludge factory and rooster.

[@Tanikaze2]

Andrew Wood was my friend's uncle, to this day he is *very* missed by that entire community

[@ast3663]

the masters of dark dynamics

[@robphillips8351]

Alice in chains my #1 metal grunge band of all time 👍👍

[@decay79]

I like that you say it's the last song on the album.. There are a few different versions of the album where the songs are in different order so... Sometimes ? ;) Tho i have to admit i cannot remember if Would is the last one on all versions.. Dirt is one of the best albums i have ever heard, every track is just amazing...

[@sagittated]

When I saw AiC live, i was lucky enough to be in front. At the time, I was smoking over a pack a day, but I still stood in wonder as Layne sang with a cigarette dangling from his lips, the smoke trails running up his face into his eyes, which were hidden behind sunglasses. I remember thinking that he must be completely numb to ignore that annoyance. But he sang perfectly in rhythm and in tune. He was simultaneously so talented and so completely out of it. I was left impressed and very sad for him.

[@jasonsturek6510]

I always took the ending as if Andy Wood could die that way, maybe anyone else could. So in one sense it's a warning, and in another it's a plea to let him have peace and not to criticize - both at the same time.

[@jdharkin7916]

I take the ending as “if I would (have done that), could you?”

[@gNome_5]

I'd give anything just to hear this man read me the dictionary-Layne Staley's voice is what feelings sound like. A painful, tragic loss. RIP 🕊️💔♾️ Layne T. Staley 8/22/67-4/5/02

[@ScottyFury12]

Thanks Doug!

[@ronbarnabei8226]

This song and Rooster are my favorite songs by this band.

[@planetcaravan2925]

Down in a hole

[@uweklein2181]

Mit 48 kann ich sagen das das Album einfach nur genial war und ist. Ich höre das heute noch

[@tomservo5347]

The best song in an album that's a masterpiece. Always liked the modal sound-reminds me of monks paying penitence in some form except this song is about the toll of addiction. I also really like Jerry's Phrygian inspired understated chorus solo that I didn't pick up for years until I bought a good set of headphones.

[@CaptainTedStryker]

Solid analysis Doug! The subject matter is dark, but the music is cathartic as a whole.

[@thomasallan1196]

Opeth does a suuuuper smooth cover of this 😎

[@Xammblu_Games]

Opeth has a cover version of this tune that is (obviously) stellar 🎶

[@gautiercolin2685]

the hole Dirt almbum is incredible but there is another level in the 96 unplugged, check it out !

[@sportsmom165]

Layne and Maynard became really good friends while touring together on the Lollapalooza.

[@Xallisto1]

"Am I wrong! Have I run to far to get home!"