Alice In Chains – Jar Of Flies / Sap

So I’ve kept this bad boy framed and sealed since I got it back in 2012 and was going to get the anniversary version to listen to but after reading how quality this version is I finally opened it and got in playing.

Good lord on this earth, this is one of the most perfectly pressed and beautiful quality release of one of the best albums around I’ve heard. I actually needed a minute to soak in how different this album experience is on this version of pressing. God bless my Nana getting me this for Xmas all those years ago.

So...back in the day, when these were in print, if you emailed Music On Vinyl to ask about source information, they would tell you the sources of each title you asked about. Many were cut from 24/96 hi-res digital files, but others were represses of Sony reissues from other countries and others still, less commonly, used the metalwork from the original Dutch pressings. The Rage Against the Machine reissues, for example, are 100% confirmed represses of the original Dutch mastering, complete with identical deadwax, on top of MoV saying as much via email. But...they also said that the Alice in Chains titles were from the original metalwork even though the deadwax doesn't match. And as far as I know, they're the only MOV titles touted as from original metal parts where the deadwax doesn't match.

I have two other MoV titles from this era, both cut from hi-res digital: Sade's "Love Deluxe" and Stone Roses' "Turns into Stone." Both sound pretty good, but...not close to as good as this. This AIC two-fer blows away the CD versions, and it's among the best-sounding rock records I own. It could absolutely be cut from hi-res and I could buy it, but if that's the case, why don't the other digitally-sourced titles sound close to this good? And why would MoV get the sourcing wrong about ONLY the AIC titles? But...if they found a way to use original metalwork and change the deadwax, how is that even possible and why haven't we seen it elsewhere.

The whole story of the provencance of this one is super weird, but there's no denying that it sounds incredible.

Finally got a great deal on this, and I'm aboard the hype train. Jar of Flies is so much better than the 30th anniversary it's not even funny. In fact, it's so stark, I may even keep the 30th anniversary copy and use it as my go-to to show people how different pressings can sound very different. As for Sap, I sold my RSD copy, so I can't A/B it against that - but it's at least as good, if not better than I that sounding (and I thought that one sounded great)

Wide soundstage, beautiful clarity, and perfectly pressed. One of those records where, not only can you hear every instrument / voice clearly, but you can hear them properly in their own space. I was worried that the inner grooves on Side A would have some distortion, but there's absolutely none. Fantastic press.

I will say though, while JoF is definitely better than my original CD, the CD is no slouch. The MOV has a better soundstage and more depth to the sound, but the CD is close. I am glad to have the MOV, but I wouldn't be as impressed if I had paid $100+ for it. If you have a decent CD player and the original CD, I would say you're 90% there, and it's up to you if it's worth the extra $ for this press.

(Although, now I really want to hear an original...)

Like the MOV Unplugged AIC, this is one of the best sounding vinyls i own. The bass is boombastic!

Sounds pretty DAMN amazing! If these are from a digital source, like some of MOV's pressings are, this is certainly one of the best ones I've heard. Very dynamic, good separation, the lows go really low. Fantastic!

What I'm listening on... 😊

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9ja3UKob7tppW4Y38

I will echo what many have already stated and say this is just an impeccable release. This is perhaps the dead quietest record I own (out of 1000's) and the soundstage is so real. It's hard to believe anything could improve upon this pressing. A serious audiophile's dream...

bought for a steal at a local shop; mine had a big gash on track 1 of sap. sounds PHENOMENAL otherwise; would have paid full price for it.

This pressing is 1,000,000 times better than the new one. Exquisite. Masterfully done. There is NONE better.

This pressing is amazing. Im not sure how it could get better. I need to hear the 30 yr Anniversary pressing yet, but wow, how can you beat this one.

The new pressing are garbage in comparison. Hold on to this one. Sure to hold its value and probably go up even more once people realize the new pressings are lazy hot garbage cash grabs. MOV at least takes pride in what they do.