Allow me to take a moment to say my piece on the death of Layne Staley. As the singer of Alice in Chains he was a part of one of the bands that would revolutionize the kind of rock music that could get on the radio. Though often copied (see Staind, Incubus, Nickleback) Alice in Chains' sound can't be replicated thanks to the unique voice of Layne Staley. The good news is that Jerry Cantrell, the main author of Alice's sound, is still among the quick. Although his first album, Boggy Depot, met with soggy reviews--Degradation Trip is like a trip back to Alice wonderland. After all, Cantrell was the primary songwriter and co-vocalist of Alice in Chains and he has more than the right to pursue his vision. This album is alive with ideas and is a fitting tribute to the late Layne Staley.