Sap to this day remains one of the most underappreciated albums from the grunge era.Hidden between two indelible albums, Facelift and Dirt, the early 1992 release somehow snuck in almost unnoticed. Okay, it's technically an EP but it is so good it is album worth.
Layne Staley encouraged Jerry Cantrell to sing on this album that shares credit space with Ann Wilson, Chris Cornell, and Mudhoney's Mark Arm. Lyrically, it is a song about relationships. Musically, the harmonies that are complex yet still retains simplicity making this album a gift to the music senses.
Brother
Written by Cantrell about their parents divorce when his brother went to live with their dad. Gorgeous backing accompaniment by Ann Wilson.
Roses in a vase of white
Bloodied by the thorns beside the leaves
That fall because my hand is
Pulling them hard as I can
Bloodied by the thorns beside the leaves
That fall because my hand is
Pulling them hard as I can
Got Me Wrong
I can't let go
Threadbare tapestry unwinding slow
Feel a tortured brain
Show your belly like you want me to
Threadbare tapestry unwinding slow
Feel a tortured brain
Show your belly like you want me to
Right Turn
Credited to Alice Mudgarden, this brilliant chorus of super talent makes you forget this song was performed by the band that brought you Man in a Box. Mark Arm is like the chanter on this song to Chris's full on bag pipe wail. A triad of perfection when Layne, Mark, and Chris round robin the final verses.
Well it's hard to believe that somebody tricked you
When you can see you were only high
It's all up to you so you gamble
Flat on your face and into the fire
When you can see you were only high
It's all up to you so you gamble
Flat on your face and into the fire
Am I Inside
Layne's solo start makes it feel like you're inside someone's head, hearing the loneliness. Ann Wilson's backing is again tempered slowly towards the end creating the cathartic need this song is begging for. Lyrically, Yoda proud would be of this song.
Black is all I feel, so this is how it feels to be free
Surrounded by empty souls, artificial courage used
And because so, once was mine
I walk this maze alone
Surrounded by empty souls, artificial courage used
And because so, once was mine
I walk this maze alone
Love Song
The 90's were known for their hidden tracks. This gem does not disappoint. Filled with bodily sounds, bull horn lyrics, chanting, and la de da type melody, this song is a conundrum. Jerry Cantrell even said to Guitar World at the time that "this was the most bizarre song they ever recorded" ... and that is saying a lot!
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