THE GRUNGE MATCH - 022

Match 022:

Alice In Chains "Sickman" (1992)
Nirvana "Stay Away" (1991)
Pearl Jam "Leash" (1993)
Soundgarden "Ugly Truth" (1989)

I've never cared for "Sickman".  I always thought the slow parts killed its momentum, and come to think of its fast parts feel a bit hackneyed.  The drum fill at the beginning is like the one from "W.M.A." but shittier.  Plus, the lyrics are a bit try hard in the "I'm a loser; woe is me" department.

"Stay Away" is that song that drummers who like Nirvana all talk about because of the snare rolling that permeates the song.  It's probably the most energetic song they ever did, or maybe most upbeat is the best way to say it?  With some bands that'd be splitting hairs, but Nirvana had positive and negative energies warring for their attention.  It's certainly the biggest pit generator on "Nevermind", so major points for that.

"Leash" is a song I forgot existed until just now.  I haven't heard this thing in 7 to 10 years.  Matter of fact, it sounds sort of like it was recorded during "Ten" and remixed.  It's a little too happy sounding for the chorus of "Drop the Leash; We are young...GET OUT OF MY FUCKING FACE!!!" screamed at the top of Eddie Vedder's register and passion, but it's still halfway decent, if a bit forgettable.

"Ugly Truth" sounds like an improvement over the listless "Ultramega OK", certainly, but still a bit lacking.  Maybe a bit unfocused.  Still, this is a song I'd actually like to listen to more than once in this lifetime.  It doesn't sound like a rock band getting cheeky instead of writing a real song; it sounds like a real song.  It's a bit slow and ethereal, but it's definitely more Soundgarden, and that's what matters.

"Stay Away": 4
"Ugly Truth": 3
"Leash": 2
"Sickman": 1

TOTALS:

Pearl Jam: 73
Nirvana: 57
Alice In Chains: 56
Soundgarden: 34

And we have a new second place!  Nirvana has overtaken Alice In Chains!  How long will they hold this lead?  And now that Soundgarden isn't stuck on their worst album, can they become a contender?  Check back in the coming days to see how this plays out! 

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