"Again"
off their self-titled 1995 album, Again was the sixth track and third single released. The song achieved recognition and general praise including a 1997 Grammy nomination for best hard rock performance. Unfortunately, the song is known to have only been performed live up to 5 times with the original vocals of Layne.
The music video, directed by Layne Staley and George Vail, released in March of 1996. The video was nominated for MTV Music Awards’ Best Hard Rock Video of the year. It would be the final music video filmed with Layne Staley.
To me, the song has always reminded me of the predictability of violation. My favorite part (besides the all-consuming holler where Layne changes notes mid scream, transitioning the song into a new melody) is the little ‘Doot Doot’ harmony between Layne and Jerry. I’m not sure what it reminds me of, but definitely something I’d expect from a song of a different genre.
