Columbia Records/Legacy Recordings, the venerable catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is creating a stir with the unveiling of a multi-format 30th-anniversary reissue for ALICE IN CHAINS’ revered EP, Jar Of Flies. Released exactly three decades ago on this day (January 25, 1994), the EP etched its name in history by becoming the first of its kind to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 during its inaugural week of sales.
Beyond the conventional black 12″ vinyl release, widely available through various retailers, the band’s official website will showcase an array of direct-to-consumer (D2C) variations for the Jar Of Flies album. These distinctive variants include tri-colored vinyl, cassette, a clear version featuring embedded “flies” in the vinyl, and an extravagant deluxe box set.
The deluxe box set encompasses the EP on tri-colored vinyl, a jar adorned with the band’s logo and adorned with touch-activated red LED lights and imitation flies a meticulously crafted 60-page hardcover book, and a double-sided poster. These treasures find a home in a screen-printed, UV-coated shadowbox. Moreover, an exclusive merch capsule collection is currently available, offering limited edition apparel, a poker set, a collaborative skate deck with Welcome Skateboards, and a plush toy of the iconic “Whale & Wasp.”
Following an exhaustive and transformative tour supporting the group’s sophomore album Dirt (1992), Jar Of Flies provided the Seattle grunge icons an opportunity to record music in a more laid-back and intimate, acoustic style. Marking a studio debut, singer Layne Staley, guitarist Jerry Cantrell, and drummer Sean Kinney were joined by bassist Mike Inez, who became part of the ALICE IN CHAINS family midway through their 1993 tour. This reissue not only commemorates a milestone but also invites fans to delve into the tactile and sonic richness of a seminal work that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock.
To commemorate 30 years of #JarOfFlies, the #JOF30 limited edition box set is available now for pre-order – including tri-color vinyl, 3D lenticular cover art, a double-sided poster, and a 60-page hardcover book with never-before-seen photos. Grab the box set, exclusive merch,… pic.twitter.com/XYI3jmJ1GP
— Alice in Chains (@AliceInChains) January 25, 2024
