Mad Season - Long Gone DayAlbum: Above [1995]
quite a few side projects containing members of renowned seattle-based rock bands appeared through the '90s. most failed to expand past a small cult following comprised mainly of fans of their main bands but there were a few exceptions to rule, especially temple of the dog and mad season. mad season included layne staley of alice in chains, and mike mccready of pearl jam, among others. a mix of melancholy ballads and hard rock, their first and only album "above" proved to be a gold-certified hit, while its leadoff single, "river of deceit," became a major rock radio hit. despite a smattering of supporting live dates and talk of further writing/recording, it would ultimately prove to be a one-off project as more prominant musical ventures and, ultimately, drugs ruined any chances of a second album. as expected, most of the songs sound like a cross between alice in chains and pearl jam - equally ponderous and serious amongst the '90s update of winding '70s guitar rock. staley's voice has always worked well in this setting, but it's on this track, which is more of a blues song than grunge, that he really comes to the forefront. without jerry cantrell accompanying him, you get a sense of what he could do standing alone (though we all do love those alice in chains vocal harmonies). his chops instead stand with the saxophone, and along with his awfully dispairing lyrics of better days gone by, an undeniably somber atmosphere is created. don't do drugs kids!
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