It has been 13 years since Jane’s Addiction has put out a studio album. After only three albums in the late 80’s and early 90’s the band broke up. Some claimed this was genius. Some claimed this was insane, drug-addled behavior. Jane’s had put out three mind-blowing, history-making records. They had mixed personal, social and political views with funk, metal, rock and the blues. Their live performances were amazing life altering experiences. Jane’s had made a significant impact on the Rock’N’Roll industry. Jane’s made a significant impact on a culture. Yet, it seemed they could go no further. They left the Jane’s gang wanting more.
Jane’s Addiction is a name that conjures up visions of sex, drugs and whores. When Perry sang of these vices it sounded so glamorous. It made me want to live the street life, to know the pain of suffering and being cold. Lyrically and musically innovative Jane’s made way for all that is today.
The players were what made the band mesh so well. They were a perfect mechanism each part reliant on the other to move, groove and produce that ideal sound. The feeling they emulated was that of love, peace and brotherhood bitten by pain. Perry Farrell’s voice was his calling card. It resonated with tones of a knowledge that only he possessed. He was a storyteller, a prophet, and a rock god. Perry was also an unlikely businessman. Perry was the guy to invite over for dinner and discussion, a neighbor. Dave Navarro was an original genius guitar idol often copied yet never surpassed. He was wounded, dirty and strung out yet had this beautiful energy that made girls and boys fall in love with him. The rhythm section was intense and moving. Eric A. and Stephen Perkins complimented each other and created a vibe of love that carried the music to a level never before known. Eric A. was a significant creative factor in the early Jane’s collection. They had long dirty hair, rarely wore shirts and had a random, unique fashion. Jane’s were a hair band that blew the follicles off all other hair bands coming out of LA.
So here it is the long awaited piece of work. It is pretty difficult for any artist to remake or out do an original masterpiece(s). The key is to remember is that everyone can grow up, change and learn new things. The members of this new team did all of it. After many line up changes the final squad includes, Perry, Dave, Stephen and Chris Chaney. Chris comes in after the sudden departure of Martyne LeNoble. Martyne is the extremely talented bass player from Thelonious Monster; original bass player for Porno for Pyros and has also toured with the Cult. Martyne helped pen 5 tracks on Strays and can now be seen playing live with Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode fame. Chris Chaney comes from a varied and very different background than the Jane’s members. Chris has played with Celine Dion, Alanis Morissette, Michelle Branch, as well as, Tommy Lee, Rob Zombie and Andrew W.K. (Now that Dave has played with Christina Aguilera it doesn’t seem so varied.) It is said that Chris is an intense, serious musician. David J bass player of Bauhaus and Love and Rockets is also penned on the title track of the album.
Dave and Perry have cleaned up dramatically and joined the elite club that is Hollywood. Now they are loved by the masses. At the helm of this stray ship was the famed 70’s producer Bob Ezrin. Bob had his biggest hits with Lou Reed’s “Berlin”, Pink Floyd’s “the Wall”, Kiss’s “Destroyer” and Peter Gabriel’s self titled album. No slouch in the business but not a mogul by today’s new rock standards.
Or is he?
Strays is an intriguing yet ambiguous title. Perry opens the album with the signature “Here We Go” but it just doesn’t make me wanna go like it used to. Happily for some, Strays has already pumped out one “modern rock” hit “Just Because” by far the worst song on the album. “True Nature” is soon to follow.
I was one of the lucky to see Jane’s perform some of these songs live before ever hearing them on the CD. Even though they don’t come across on the album they do kick ass live. “Price I Pay” live is as good as any Jane’s hit, Perry really gives this one a wallop. Chris Chaney gets an A++ on this one as well. “The Riches” whenever Perry sings about the shower it gets me wet. “Superhero”, “Wrong Girl” and “Hypersonic” use keyboards as filling in this sandwich. Each creamy with sounds of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Led Zep. “Strays” and “Hypersonic” come close to the good ol’ songs and better than some. Dave is guitarzan swinging from riff to riff. “Everybody’s Friend” I hope Perry remembers this if he ever reads this review.
It is good to see all these guys alive, stoked on life and having a great time doing what they love. We should all be so lucky. It is not the same, it will never be the same and I didn’t really want it to be the same. It’s not better but it is not so awful either. It’s just not shocking. If you like Jane’s buy the damn CD. And if you’re looking for the second coming of Pigs in Zen keep looking.
Kimmerly
5.75 out of 10
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