Music Bank cover

Music Bank

Alice in Chains · 1999

220 min · 48 tracks · alternative rock · alternative metal · grunge

A raw collection of grunge-infused demos and live tracks showcasing Alice in Chains' dark, haunting sound.

Why this album works

Though largely a compilation, 'Music Bank' achieved notable success, debuting at number 29 on the Billboard 200 chart. It features previously unreleased demos and live recordings that allowed fans to engage with lesser-known material, reinforcing the band's legacy within the grunge movement. The collection also received attention for its candid portrayal of Staley's songwriting and vocal prowess.
Best for
dynamic exploration of themes dark haunting soundscapes wave-like pacing fluctuations
Context
In 1999, Alice in Chains was navigating the aftermath of their last studio album, 'Alice in Chains' (1995), amidst lead singer Layne Staley's struggles with addiction. 'Music Bank' served as a retrospective compilation that highlighted their earlier work while offering fans a glimpse into their unreleased material. This release was pivotal as it marked a period of re-evaluation for the band during a hiatus that would last until their eventual reunion years later.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Get Born Again Standout 5:24
  • 2 I Can’t Have You Blues (demo) 4:00
  • 3 Whatcha Gonna Do (demo) 2:53
  • 4 Social Parasite (demo) 4:21
  • 5 Queen of the Rodeo (live) 4:38
  • 6 Bleed the Freak (demo) 3:31
  • 7 Killing Yourself (demo) 2:38
  • 8 We Die Young 2:32
  • 9 Man in the Box Standout 4:47
  • 10 Sea of Sorrow (demo) 5:21
  • 11 I Can’t Remember 3:43
  • 12 Love, Hate, Love 6:29
  • 13 It Ain’t Like That 4:38
  • 14 Confusion 5:45
  • 15 Rooster (demo) 5:46
  • 16 Right Turn 3:14
  • 17 Got Me Wrong 4:09

Disc 2

  • 1 Rain When I Die 6:02
  • 2 Fear the Voices 4:57
  • 3 Them Bones 2:29
  • 4 Dam That River 3:09
  • 5 Sickman 5:29
  • 6 Rooster Standout 6:14
  • 7 Junkhead (demo) 5:10
  • 8 Dirt 5:16
  • 9 God Smack 3:50
  • 10 Iron Gland 0:43
  • 11 Angry Chair 4:47
  • 12 Lying Season 3:19
  • 13 Would? 3:27
  • 14 Brother 4:27
  • 15 Am I Inside 5:08
  • 16 I Stay Away 4:14
  • 17 No Excuses 4:17

Disc 3

  • 1 Down in a Hole 5:37
  • 2 Hate to Feel 5:16
  • 3 What the Hell Have I (remix) 3:54
  • 4 A Little Bitter (remix) 3:48
  • 5 Grind 4:44
  • 6 Again (Tattoo of Pain mix) 4:01
  • 7 Head Creeps 6:28
  • 8 God Am 4:11
  • 9 Frogs 8:17
  • 10 Heaven Beside You 5:30
  • 11 Nutshell (unplugged) 4:28
  • 12 Killer Is Me (unplugged) 5:16
  • 13 Over Now (unplugged) 5:55
  • 14 Died 5:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata