Yeah...you had to be in the mood for them. They were just so fucking depressing. Grunge music in general wasn't the most life affirming music....but those guy were like damn...get outside and walk around a little...it ain't THAT bad.
They had some killer grooves though. Jerry Cantrell could write some good rock music.
Jerry Cantrell's guitar playing is what made that band great. I think that without him that band would have been much, much worse because he was carrying them. Layne Stayley was a good vocalist, but nothing amazing. The other 2 guys were alright.
I'm just never in the mood to listen to depressing music. Right now i'm listening to some Mighty Mighty Bosstones, I like something that makes me feel happy.