Documentaries that chronicle the rise, triumph, and inevitable fall from grace – and redemptive coda, if one is available – of an influential artist are often tricky propositions: VH1’s “Behind the Music” series pretty much cornered the market on this plotline early on, and subsequent efforts to subvert the formula either need to be either particularly innovative in style or to boast an interesting enough story to distinguish themselves. Take last year’s Pearl Jam Twenty, for example: an exemplary documentary, […]
Spin Cycle: Jane’s Addiction’s “The Great Escape Artist”
I had no expectations going into Jane’s Addictions latest, The Great Escape Artist. I thought 2003’s Strays was okay but other than a few standout tracks (“Just Because”, “True Nature”), the album didn’t really do too much to add to the legacy of JA. Cut to eight years later and we have their 4th album which is wholeheartedly the epitome of Jane’s Addiction in the 21st Century. It’s spiritual and mystical with a unique sound that stands above the rest. […]
New Release Report 10/18/11: Get Ready To Condensate with Shelby Lynne, Patrick Stump and The Time!
Hello, late October. What do you have for me? Yet another tantalizing sea of new releases? Well, I don’t mind if I do. Shelby Lynne released her most recent album, Tears, Lies & Alibis only a year and a half ago. So what is she doing coming back so quickly? Hell if I know, but if her recent track record is any indication, the Grammy-winner’s new album, Revelation Road (her twelfth!) will be pretty damn awesome. Fall Out Boy’s Patrick […]
Jane’s Addiction 2011
Perry, Dave, and Stephen are baaaaaaaack! I love Jane’s Addiction. I love Nothing’s Shocking, Ritual, even Strays. To say I am excited for the upcoming release in August would be an understatement. The group is iconic. Perry Farrell’s voice is unmistakable, Dave Navarro makes his guitar scream so good and Stephen Perkins can do it all behind the kit. Your first taste of The Great Escape Artist was just released and it sounds like Jane’s have found the magic again. […]