Jane's Addiction "The Great Escape Artist"

I had written them off after the lousy comeback album in 2003.  Then I saw a concert video from their reunion tour of a couple of years ago and was mighty impressed.  What, you say, a new record?  Well, let's crack the door and sneak a peek...

About halfway through spin #1 I have to shut it off because I was confused.  A day or two later the second half seems to clear up a bit, so I slide it forward in the rotation for a quicker return.  Spin #2 produces more recognition of their direction and spin #3 solidifies its purpose.  This isn't JA of old, this is an older JA, more radio-friendly as a whole, sort of pop-ish and maybe even a tad danceable?!  Did I really just say that?  I truly like this new model JA...



Perry Ferrell has never been accused of being a great singer, but he is truly a unique vocalist, utilizing enough treatments and effects to process his voice into an instrument.  Actually, at times throughout the album, he was hardly recognizable.  Had I not known it was JA, I would have never been able to guess.  Other CA bands since JA's original demise in '91 crept into my psyche while listening to this album.  I noted STP and Velvet Revolver as well as one of my favorites, Dredg.  Some connections are real; ie. Duff McKagen was a fill-in for a while and has a couple of co-writing credits; the Dredg connection......I just wonder what the order is.  Probably the main influence for this record's adjustment was the contribution of TV On The Radio member, David Andrew Sitek.  He gets the rest of the co-writing credits and had to have major input across the board.  TVOTR is so eclectic...I believe his inclusion was a decision wisely made. 

The album has been out a little over three months with two featured tracks, the video above and the record's opener.  Mark my words, the hit is "Curiousity Kills", so guys, put this out next.  I've got to tell you, these compact little rock tunes have a lot of meat on the bone, so to speak, so get your brain floss out 'cause you'll need it to get the hooks out of your head...