irresistible force in music

ok.

it seems like Jane’s Addiction (and Perry Farrell) have been around since before the Beatles.

(actually it has only been since maybe late 80’s or so)

I have had a love/hate relationship with Perry Farrell since the beginning.  I have always thought he was incredibly talented but his wackiness seemed to destroy some brilliant musical consistency (so his – and Jane’s Addiction – single offerings were often awesome but the overall musical portfolio left something to be desired).

But. Jane’s Addiction is back again.

And the new song captures everything I love about Perry and how the music has matured (but maintained some edginess and eclectic feel of what he is all about).

irresistible forces: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pR0aqlDCuQ&feature=related

Jane’s Addiction has always been driven by Farrell’s high-pitched singing, manic dancing and drug-fueled general showmanship (although I think he has calmed down with age) but I also give the overall band credit for the staying power to stay relevant in alternative rock. The new album, ‘The Great Escape Artist’, with irresistible force on it, is due out September 27th.

Perry is an interesting guy.

Born Peretz Bernstein he is the frontman for Jane’s Addiction. created Lollapalooza as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction in 1991 (and it has since evolved into an annual destination festival) and has led the bands Porno For Pyros and Satellite Party.

Oh. That reminds me.

I will admit that Satellite Party shifted my attitude toward good ole Perry.  Maybe he is aging like fine wine (or mellowing his sometimes wacky musical antics) but Ultra Payloaded is an underappreciated cd with a number of awesome songs. My 2 favorites (and they tend to end up on my running mp3 players) are an incredible remake/sample of “Only Love, Let’s Celebrate” (remake of Rare Earth “I just want to Celebrate”): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPO68IFI7D8

… and a well crafted catchy “Wish Upon a Dogstar” (with a fun video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4D1f-6oKJQ

Satellite Party is a concept album and is the story of about a fictional band of musicians called The Solutionists who are trying to change the world. Farrell conceived the project with his wife Etty Lau Farrell (Etty sings on the cd).

Anyway.

Jane’s Addiction is Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins, Dave Navarro and Chris Chaney.  And I am pleased they have figured out how to stay relevant.

Written by Bruce