That voice.

I guess this week is going to be heavy on birthday tributes to rock legends who we lost too soon (c.f., Dimebag Darrell’s post on Monday), but Alice in Chains has been such a huge part of my musical life that I can’t let Layne Staley’s birthday pass without acknowledgement.  Again, his wiki page covers the fundamentals of his life and death.

Alice in Chains + Deftones + Mastodon = absolutely kickass concert.

I’m instantly transplanted whenever and wherever I hear those first few chords of Man in the Box and Would; but really, my entire mp3 collection of AIC songs is out of control.  I remember when I first heard the “new” iteration of the band (with William DuVall doing vocals) on the radio, I thought, “who the F are these guys and how are they gonna go steal Alice in Chains’ sound?”

I’ve since come around – I’ve seen the new AIC twice in concert now, and they slayed it both times – but no one can or will ever be able to truly replace Layne.

Unreal.  Happy birthday, Layne.  Your sound was and remains unparalleled.