Aaron recently wrote about the new Jane’s Addiction album. Read his review and then read the following opinion I have concerning revivals.
I used to hold Perry Farrel in such high regard and watched “Gift” so many times the ribbon snapped on my video tape. (Video tape? eegads, we are old.) So I was excited to hear Aaron’s review and utterly disappointed that the album let us down. All I have to say is that I have always had a hard time with bands who put themselves on the cover in a cheesed out, “hey this us standing here looking sullen” kind of way. If you are going to be on the cover, follow the suit of Jane’s Addiction in the past and make it an artistic representation of yourself (i.e. sculpture, painting). Or just do what Depeche Mode/NIN/Tool did for years and don’t put yourself on there at all. Once some of my favorite bands put themselves on the cover, I knew they were going to start letting me down. Example:
This rule does not really apply to solo artists. Ani Difranco/Tori Amos/Ben Harper/Jimi Hendrix/Tracy Chapman/Neil Diamond are all cases in point. 🙂 You like my examples? I do. (If you bothered to browse to Ani’s page you’ll notice that her albums no longer have her on the cover and I think that her music has coincidentally gotten better.)
Now to add to this sad turn for the band, I WILL say that they’re website has a much better style. If you visit it, wait for the cheesy images of them to float away. What is left SHOULD have been their cover. While you’re at it, check out the album covers from their past that are must better.
So, when I was living here in ATL in the mid-90’s, this girl I knew told me that whilst stripping at the now defunct Gold Club, PF asked for a private show. They went back to her apartment after the aforementioned-strip tease and he proceeded to do numerous drugs and freak out my poor friend. I think she still screwed him though.
Wow, Max, that was me! Naw, just kidding (wishful thinking, ha!) Seriously, JA put out three great albums, and should’ve left it all alone after 1991. Kettle Whistle got panned, and they should’ve taken that as a sign . . . Ritual de Lo Habitual is still great, though. As are self-titled (I own it on vinyl!) and Nothing’s Shocking. In other news, their website blows, IMHO.
I love Shocking…it’s the best but I this to say to you Katie baby. Veronica says HI. She working the summer session at Catalina (is she a lesbo too?) 🙂 and will return to SF when it’s over. Says she wants nothing to do w/ yr 10 yr reunion, but Tamara Rubello wants to do it so you might want to talk to her (TR) if you have any ideas, suggestion, comments or questions.
Now I’m waiting for Tina Ladd to fall out of the sky.
I figured Veronica wanted nothing to do with it. I’m all for Tamara taking over. But maybe if you can track down her info I can help her since she and I know very different people. I don’t think Veronica’s a lesbian, but one never knows.
NEIL DIAMOND??? You put NEIL DIAMOND as an example of a solo artist who doesn’t suck??? Obviously you meant Neil YOUNG, not Neil DIAMOND.
neil young is too full of himself and would never had made it if it wasn’t the 60’s. If Neil Diamond was young he’d be Justine Timberlake. I like Neil Diamond and would rather be forever in bluejeans than searching for a heart of gold.
Yeah…i’ll see about finding Tamara
I definitely meant Neil Diamond and every bit of it. I love him. He is God.
10 years…it can’t be…Katie was just wearing her PINK dress to prom! Katie, are you considering helping out with the reunion? If so, count me in to help as well. Weirdly enough, I think my mom knows where to get in touch with Tamara. Oh, by the way, Scott and I moved. Email me and I will give you all the details! I still see no picture of your new hair!!!!!!
Hookers N’ Cocaine….NOT
So I figured that the Jane’s Addiction cd review would elicit tons of responses, but then along came Katie to steal my thunder. She is a devious and conniving wench, and definitely not to be trusted. Anyhoo…this weekend, the gang…