Alice in Chains

Released a year before his death from an overdose, this collection covers the Layne Stayley era of the band (they reformed in 2005). Major hits "Rooster" and "No Excuses" are included, as well as "Them Bones," which is "the" archetypal grunge tune. With the torrent of imitators echoing their dark depression in the wake of Dirt, Alice In Chains was one of, if not the most influential band of their time. Cooler is the fact that before they became grunge stars, the menacing crunch of "Man in the Box" was about the only thing on the radio that could compete with Guns N' Roses in 1989.