OT: Nirvana or Alice in Chains

[bac2therac]

So fellow 90s grunge lover.....So in anniversary of both frontmen's deaths Kurt Cobain and Layne Staley...8 years apart but on the same day eerily here is a question. What band do your prefer? What band do you actually listen to now? To me its Alice for both questions. I thought musically and lyrically they were better and I find them myself listening to their music regularly still. Nirvana almost overplayed and overhyped you have heard the songs millions of times, I do not remember the last time I actually listened to their music by choice. I think AIC's music holds up better over time. I cringe that Cobain and Nirvana were given majority credit for the grunge movement which had so many more bands offering as much and more.

 

[Knight Shift]

The Screaming Trees. Too bad they broke up. They were better than both. Mark Lanegan has a terrific voice.
Agree with AIC over Nirvana. Kurt Cobain became the face of grunge, when there were far better representatives of that genre. But never like that term anyway. AIC is more hard rock/metal. The kings of Seattle were Soundgarden, which also defied classification.

 

[Jackson206:)]

AIC

 

[jersey07080]

Citizen Dick

 

[ashokan]

Alice.

Most beginner guitarist students learn Nirvana riffs right off the bat. Taylor Swift level stuff. Cobain was the Dean/Marilyn of the latchkey kids. He touched a nerve and died. ****** gf made him seem even more broken/accessible .

 

[Randal7]

One of the all-time great episodes in television history (and, of course, top 5 simpsons in my opinion)

 

[RUJohnny99]

I like Nirvana better, but there is something about AIC that strikes a chord with me. Almost like the songs mean something to me now that I didn't understand back then. The lyrics are a lot deeper. Nirvana songs just feel like I did back in the early 90s, and the teenage angst that I felt then. Today I was down a Nirvana youtube hole listened to a few "new to me" songs by Nirvana like "Moist ******" and "Gallons of Rubbing Alcohol Flow Through the Strip". It just brought me back to 1993 again.

I also don't like that AIC replaced Layne and made it seem like business as usual. They should have renamed the band like Mother Love Bone became Pearl Jam. Id probably feel the same if Dave Grohl brought Christ Noveselic into Foo Fighters and tried to pass them off as Nirvana. Nirvana is dead, just like AIC died back in 2002.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Nirvana. Have a few of their songs in my regular phone mix. Resort I've been spending time at also plays a station that's like K-rock circa '94-98. Lot of Nirvana and other classic alternative in the mix, no AIC of yet.

AIC good back in the day, but don't listen much now. Also thought they were mislumped into grunge based on geography and more of a hard rock/metal band.

 

[CJ1987]

Listen to both regularly and early on probably leaned towards Nirvana.

Now with a larger catalog of music, I enjoy Alice in Chains more. Nirvana's short existence hurts them a little in this regard. Would like to have seen what else they could have created before Kurt committed suicide.

 

[RUnTeX]

Definitely AIC for me, probably because as @Knight Shift said they were more hard rock/metal, which was more in line with my music preference/taste at the time.

 

[sunsetregret]

I like AIC, but I don't put them in the same conversation as Nirvana. I don't even like In Utero, but Nevermind is in a rare class.

 

[RBS05]

Now with a larger catalog of music, I enjoy Alice in Chains more. Nirvana's short existence hurts them a little in this regard. Would like to have seen what else they could have created before Kurt was murdered.

Fixed.

 

[HeyHuey]

Social Distortion

 

[WhiteBus]

WMMR 93.3 in Philly just did a big block of both bands for obvious reasons.
Slight lean for Nirvana.

 

[anon_xekqhstck0ygt]

Love them both, but Nirvana opened the door for AIC. They might not have actually started the "grunge" movement, but they were the first to really make it, and brought attention to the whole Seattle scene. Nirvana's unplugged was ridiculously awesome, too. They didn't just play their stuff with acoustic instruments like most bands. Reworked all the songs and did obscure stuff.

I actually liked Mad Season better than AIC, some of their later albums weren't that great imo.

 

[anon_xekqhstck0ygt]

agree with all of this. Hate the term grunge, too. and "alternative". Soundgarden, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and AIC sound nothing alike but are all described using both terms.

The Screaming Trees. Too bad they broke up. They were better than both. Mark Lanegan has a terrific voice.
Agree with AIC over Nirvana. Kurt Cobain became the face of grunge, when there were far better representatives of that genre. But never like that term anyway. AIC is more hard rock/metal. The kings of Seattle were Soundgarden, which also defied classification.

 

[bac2therac]

I saw Alice 2x with their new lead singer a few years back.. Yes it is not Layne obviously but does a very good job and the new songs in the past several years have been solid. Cantrell also sing lead on many new sons Remember Cantrell also sang on some of the old songs so he needs to be given some credit. I thought the blend of voices between them accentuated their sound. STP now doing the same thing without nutcase Weiland and I like their new cd and they will be on tour with Bush and The Cult this summer so going to see that.

 

[rubaseball78_rivals]

Nirvana. Always partial to "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Used to work for Colgate and we manufactured that product right here in Morristown.

 

[jersey07080]

Grunge is a weird term. Nirvana I feel was more influenced by punk rock, soundgarden and AIC more metal, and Pearl Jam influenced by punk and melodic rock. All things equal if none of these singers had passed I feel that you would get a lot of records and songs that are just mehh. Remember when writing songs in your 20s,30s, 40s etc, your priorities change and what you write about changes.

With this being said I am only 33 but have seen Pearl Jam Nearly 50 times (wrigley this summer will be my 48th and 49th show). I think these bands would have taken on similar followings, relying heavily on early catalog stuff, but touring constantly and putting out a record every 5 years or so.

The reason Pearl Jam has been so successful is their cult following. When you mix up set lists as much as they do it is easy to go see multiple shows per tour. Bands don't grow or get any better live playing the same boring set every night, they get complacent.

 

[bac2therac]

Here are the vocals that Layne and Jerry laid down for Man in the Box seperated



Jerrys with guitar


Kurt Cobain was an awful singer compared to these two

 

[famousbill19]

For me, it is AIC and it is not even close. Still remember where I was when I heard Man in the Box for the first time (driving on Industrial Way, Eatontown- WSOU I think). Their last two albums post Layne have been excellent, perhaps more consistent then their earlier (excellent) material. New album should be out soon. Saw them at Monmouth College on the Black Gives Way to Blue tour, they were excellent. I agree with Bac, older stuff holds up real well, which cannot be said for much of the music I used to love. (Tried listening to Van Halen II the other day, what a pile of garbage.)

As others mentioned, my taste runs heavier so that has a lot to do with it, but I always found Nirvana whiny. "Rape Me" is on my top ten list of worst songs ever.

 

[RUJohnny99]

Here are the vocals that Layne and Jerry laid down for Man in the Box seperated



Jerrys with guitar


Kurt Cobain was an awful singer compared to these two

Maybe he was just an awful guitarist

 

[buffalochicken21]

Maybe he was just an awful guitarist

As someone who's played guitar for 25 years, I can tell you, Kurt Cobain was exceptional at faking 'being-bad' at guitar. He was really knowledgable and could not only construct complex melodies on top of his chords, but could solo out of key and still make it sound incredible and vicious and raw. To this day, I still can't figure out why some of his solos work the way they do and still sound good.

I think he's been over-worshipped in hindsight, but as far as comparing his band to the rest from that era, Nirvana was the only one that was real punk rock.

They made violent, anxious music into something every kid could instantly understand. Then they raged against the system of their own success, in their own music. That's rock n' roll. Pearl Jam and the others don't have that, they're arena rock bands. Good bands, but not the same.

 

[scarletrat]

AIC hands down for me. I never liked Nirvana--respected sure, but never did anything for me. Give me AIC, Soundgarden (huge Chris Cornell fan--IMO, best voice of of my generation), even Pearl Jam...

 

[ashokan]

I was never a huge Pearl Jammer but I always thought Vedder had one of the best voices. Like Aaron Neville, everybody wants to perform with Vedder.


"In addition to playing with Pearl Jam and Temple of the Dog, Vedder has performed or recorded with numerous well-known artists. He has appeared on albums by The Who, Ramones, Neil Young, R.E.M., Neil Finn, Bad Religion, Mark Seymour, Cat Power, Mike Watt, Fastbacks, Wellwater Conspiracy, Jack Irons, and John Doe, and has also recorded with The Strokes, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Supersuckers, Susan Sarandon, and Zeke. In the months of June and July 2006, Vedder made live performances jamming with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, singing on many tracks, including lead vocals on "The Waiting" and backing vocals on "American Girl". Vedder performed the songs "Break on Through (To the Other Side)", "Light My Fire" and "Roadhouse Blues" with the remaining members of The Doors at the 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He also performed with R.E.M. at the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and with The Stooges at the 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Vedder made a guest appearance at the Ramones' last show on August 6, 1996 at the Palace in Hollywood.[61] Vedder has also performed live on stage with Pete Townshend, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Plant, Roger Waters, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Cat Stevens, Chris Martin, Flea, Beyoncé, Bryan Adams, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Roger Daltrey, Jay-Z, Kings of Leon, Dave Grohl, Chad Smith, Perry Farrell, Cheap Trick, The Strokes, My Morning Jacket, Beck, Sheryl Crow, Jerry Cantrell, Andrew Stockdale, Josh Homme, Mike Ness, Neil Young, Guided By Voices, Ace Frehley, Dave Matthews, Elvis Costello, X (American band), Natalie Maines, Tim Robbins, Johnny Depp, Adam Sandler, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Glen Hansard, Simon Townshend, Joe Elliott and many others."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Vedder

 

[Section124]

Nirvana for me and it’s not even close. As someone above said, Nirvana was more of a punk influence. I was a big punk rock guy back in the 80’s. Something about their music hits me to the core. Must be the angry Gen X in me. Still listen the them often. Also loved STP. I appreciate Pearl Jam, but never really understood why they are so loved. They are not edgy enough for me.

 

[HeyHuey]

I was never a huge Pearl Jammer but I always thought Vedder had one of the best voices. Like Aaron Neville, everybody wants to perform with Vedder.


"In addition to playing with Pearl Jam and Temple of the Dog, Vedder has performed or recorded with numerous well-known artists. He has appeared on albums by The Who, Ramones, Neil Young, R.E.M., Neil Finn, Bad Religion, Mark Seymour, Cat Power, Mike Watt, Fastbacks, Wellwater Conspiracy, Jack Irons, and John Doe, and has also recorded with The Strokes, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Supersuckers, Susan Sarandon, and Zeke. In the months of June and July 2006, Vedder made live performances jamming with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, singing on many tracks, including lead vocals on "The Waiting" and backing vocals on "American Girl". Vedder performed the songs "Break on Through (To the Other Side)", "Light My Fire" and "Roadhouse Blues" with the remaining members of The Doors at the 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He also performed with R.E.M. at the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and with The Stooges at the 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Vedder made a guest appearance at the Ramones' last show on August 6, 1996 at the Palace in Hollywood.[61] Vedder has also performed live on stage with Pete Townshend, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Plant, Roger Waters, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Cat Stevens, Chris Martin, Flea, Beyoncé, Bryan Adams, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Roger Daltrey, Jay-Z, Kings of Leon, Dave Grohl, Chad Smith, Perry Farrell, Cheap Trick, The Strokes, My Morning Jacket, Beck, Sheryl Crow, Jerry Cantrell, Andrew Stockdale, Josh Homme, Mike Ness, Neil Young, Guided By Voices, Ace Frehley, Dave Matthews, Elvis Costello, X (American band), Natalie Maines, Tim Robbins, Johnny Depp, Adam Sandler, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Glen Hansard, Simon Townshend, Joe Elliott and many others."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Vedder

Vedder does covers of songs that are equal to or better than the originals

 

[Rhuarc]

Growing up, I enjoyed Nirvana more. However, as someone said, their lack of catalog has limited their appeal so now I listen to Alice in Chains more.

Nirvana had more of a social and societal impact than AIC ever did. Kurt was a tremendous songwriter and I wish I could have heard his music as he started to age. In Utero is one my top 5 favorite albums of all time. It's raw, hard hitting and just all around kicks ***. I dare you to put on Serve the Servants without jacking the volume about 20 notches higher and letting it go. If you don't, you're missing out.

Alice in Chains is an excellent band right now. I've seen them 3 times with William Duvall. He's not Layne, but he's an great replacement. His harmonies with Jerry Cantrell are great and he has awesome stage presence. Growing up, I never realized how the bulk of their songs were so morbid and about drug use. I feel bad for both Kurt and Layne and the twisted lives they had to endure.

The Singles soundtrack is another of my all time top 5 albums due to it's impact and overall greatness. The movie was meh though.

 

[Rhuarc]

Here's a superstar lineup of grunge era dudes to support Mike Watt on the Jon Stewart show. This album kicks *** too.

 

[RobotHunter]

Easily AIC

 

[Will Scarlet]

Nirvana for me and it’s not even close. As someone above said, Nirvana was more of a punk influence. I was a big punk rock guy back in the 80’s. Something about their music hits me to the core. Must be the angry Gen X in me. Still listen the them often. Also loved STP. I appreciate Pearl Jam, but never really understood why they are so loved. They are not edgy enough for me.

Agree with every word. Nirvana, no contest. I was also into 80's hardcore scene, which was splintering when Nirvana dropped Bleach. At the time, I considered Nirvana to be a progression of punk. But, AIC had a thrash sound. I respected thrash and listened to it on occasion (still do). But, thrash wasn’t my scene, which I’m sure influences my opinion.

Back in the 80’s, you could be into punk or into metal, but NOT punk if you were also into metal (but, not vice versa). If you showed-up to a Cro-Mags show in a Metallica shirt, you’d get your *** beat (conversely, a DK shirt and Doc’s at an Overkill show might generate curious glances, at best). Of course, silly in hindsight, but a material consideration at the time.

 

[Knight Shift]

Here's a superstar lineup of grunge era dudes to support Mike Watt on the Jon Stewart show. This album kicks *** too.

Hands down best song he made was this

 

[Ridge 22]

Agree on the 'Singles' soundtrack. An under appreciated classic. Eddie Vedder's soundtrack to 'Into the Wild' is another one of my favorites. Very low key, but shows how talented and versatile his voice is.

For me, Pearl Jam and STP are still my favorites from that era. Difficult to find anything decent today that compares.

 

[wegea]

Nirvana , Pearl Jam, pixies. Where my favorites of the era. In that order. Does it freak anyone else out that pixies songs are used in all different kinds of car commercials now?

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Best radio memory ever was the first time I heard the all new Chris Cornell-Rage mashup Audioslave, followed immediately by the first time I heard a new Nirvana song in nearly a decade (You know you're right). That back/back damn near blew my mind.

And to top it all off ...fckn Incubus. Sometimes 2's the charm. Leave on a high note.

 

[buffalochicken21]

Nirvana for me and it’s not even close. As someone above said, Nirvana was more of a punk influence. I was a big punk rock guy back in the 80’s. Something about their music hits me to the core. Must be the angry Gen X in me. Still listen the them often. Also loved STP. I appreciate Pearl Jam, but never really understood why they are so loved. They are not edgy enough for me.

Agree with every word. Nirvana, no contest. I was also into 80's hardcore scene, which was splintering when Nirvana dropped Bleach. At the time, I considered Nirvana to be a progression of punk. But, AIC had a thrash sound. I respected thrash and listened to it on occasion (still do). But, thrash wasn’t my scene, which I’m sure influences my opinion.

Back in the 80’s, you could be into punk or into metal, but NOT punk if you were also into metal (but, not vice versa). If you showed-up to a Cro-Mags show in a Metallica shirt, you’d get your *** beat (conversely, a DK shirt and Doc’s at an Overkill show might generate curious glances, at best). Of course, silly in hindsight, but a material consideration at the time.

I'm thinking you're both likely a bit older than me, but if you like Nirvana because of the punk edge and feel that's missing in a lot of other "grunge" bands, I strongly recommend the Melvins. I'm guessing you're already familiar with them, but if not, their albums Bullhead, Stoner Witch and Houdini will have you blasting your eardrums to pieces. Without their influence, especially on Nirvana, I don't know if any of the bands mentioned in this thread would exist.

 

[Knight Shift]

I'm thinking you're both likely a bit older than me, but if you like Nirvana because of the punk edge and feel that's missing in a lot of other "grunge" bands, I strongly recommend the Melvins. I'm guessing you're already familiar with them, but if not, their albums Bullhead, Stoner Witch and Houdini will have you blasting your eardrums to pieces. Without their influence, especially on Nirvana, I don't know if any of the bands mentioned in this thread would exist.

Melvins are very under rated and under appreciated.
Like Mudhoney, to whom many bands owe a debt of gratitude.

 

[robcac26]

I strongly prefer Nirvana, even though I know Alice in Chains might be more skilled musicians. I really like some Alice in Chains songs though like Man in the Box and Angry Chair. I was never really able to get into Pearl Jam though, I just don't like Eddie Vedder's singing.

Melvins are very under rated and under appreciated.
Like Mudhoney, to whom many bands owe a debt of gratitude.

Mudhoney is awesome. I had never even heard of them until I saw them live two summers ago at a rock/metal festival in Vegas, and that show made me a fan. I saw the Melvins at the same festival last year, they were good too.

 

[bac2therac]

STP/Bush/The Cult all co headlining tour at PNC on July 28...should be a great show

 

[ashokan]

Interesting vid about AIC guitar sound