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Jane’s Addiction: rock saviors?
By John Benson
Looking back two decades, Nirvana — via fate — may have been caught stealing the mantle of bellwether of the ’90s alternative-rock scene.
While “Nevermind” is commonly acknowledged as bringing the alternative sound to the masses in the early ’90s, it was perhaps the sonic mind-set and eccentric musicality of Jane’s Addiction that truly set the stage for such an overnight transformation from underground acts to platinum-selling artists.
“We’re probably the most underestimated, under-covered group,” said Jane’s Addiction visionary-singer Perry Farrell, calling from his Santa Monica, Calif., home. “It’s probably my fault when I broke the band up in 1991. We were just hitting our stride but, nonetheless, we opened doors for all of the alternative groups and at least gave them the visibility and the light and the space and the credibility that was previously left for hair-metal bands. To be honest, we really changed the landscape of radio and live music forever.”
Jane’s Addiction’s definitive studio discs, 1988’s “Nothing’s Shocking” and 1990’s “Ritual De Lo Habitual,” showcased the eccentric vocal wailing of Farrell, the metal-tinged guitar drive of Dave Navarro and a uniquely distinct, slightly oblique songwriting style. Songs such as “Jane Says” and “Been Caught Stealing” were alt-radio hits, but album tracks such as the rebellious “Mountain Song” and the epic Zeppelin-charged “Three Days” were the real deal, finding the true spirit and voice of the Los Angeles band.
By the time Jane’s Addiction reformed in the late ’90s, it was viewed as a nostalgia act from a decade prior, while Farrell is remembered largely for forgettable side project Porno For Pyros and originating the Lollapalooza tours. The group’s 2003 effort “Strays” is most notable for providing the theme song to HBO series “Entourage.”
Fast-forward to 2011, and Jane’s Addiction is back in action with its fourth studio album, “The Great Escape Artist.” What’s amazing is the fact the band has released only four studio albums after more than 20 years.
“We’ve gone back and forth; it’s like one of those crazy romances where the guy is marrying the same woman,” Farrell said. “At this point, it seems a little silly. I hope it never happens again — we break up. This group is such a great group and has so much potential still.”
That potential is evident with “The Great Escape Artist,” a straight rock affair built mostly around Navaro’s heavy guitar riffs. Standout tracks include the dynamic “Irresistible Force [Met the Immovable Object],” the anthemic “Twisted Tales” and the psychedelic “Splash a Little Water On It.”
Basically, the result is less of a freaky Farrell experience, which the eccentric frontman has been guilty of creating in the past. As for the band’s dark side, he said, “Well, it’s kind of like the world we really exist in. You think money would have solved all of that, right? I don’t know, maybe the next record I should write something sunny.”
That new record could come out as early as next year when Jane’s Addiction celebrates 25 years since its inception. Naturally, when any act hits the quarter of a century milestone, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame question comes up.
Though some music fans may dismiss Farrell and company’s credentials for entering the hall located on the shores of Lake Erie, the singer likes the band’s chances.
“Sure, it crosses our mind; it would be nice, man,” Farrell said. “Look, 21 years later and where live music is today, it’s about the festivals. It’s about what Lollapalooza was years ago. So for that reason, I’d say we’d have to be considered. But that’s not my position. I’m on the other side. I’ll just sit back and see what happens.”