On the list of strange ways I've acquired albums, Jerry Cantrell's solo release Boggy Depot definitely tops them all. While hanging out with my friends at Sunset West, one of them leaned over pointed to a gentleman enjoying an O'Douls and asked me if I thought it might be the guy from Alice In Chains. I of course replied, "no--I'm the guy from Alice In Chains."

After further observation we realized it was indeed "that guy" from Alice in Chains. Somebody in our group, a fan of the Chains, actually knew his name and got up the nerve to ask if he actually was Jerry Cantrell, and he replied "yep." After nearly every member of our starstuck group introduced themselves--I spoke with him and he told me he was shooting a video in the area. I asked if he had any promo copies of his new album (partly to find out if he really was Jerry) and he humored me with a gift of a prerelease tape of the album.

You'd think that after this experience I'd be favorably biased toward the album. You'd be wrong. The album, after a good half dozen or so listens, is at best mediocre. If you're an Alice In Chains fan you may like it--after all Jerry wrote most of their hits. He also sang lead on a few and backup on many of Alice In Chains songs. His voice is very similar to Alice's main singer, Layne Staley, however Jerry doesn't strain through every depressing moment of every overwrought song. The guitar work is good, and Boggy is not without it's promising moments, but overall, the album seems to be missing something--not unlike a homemade demo. I can't give it a strong recommendation, but if your tastes run toward the Stone Temple Pilots -Alice In Chains genre--rock yourself out.