Although
Jane's Addiction
's 1987 self-titled debut was an intriguing release (few
alternative
bands at the time had the courage to mix modern
rock
,
prog rock
, and
heavy metal
together), it paled in comparison to their now classic major-label release one year later,
Nothing's Shocking
. Produced by
Dave Jerden
and
vocalist
Perry Farrell
, the album was more focused and packed more of a sonic wallop than its predecessor; the fiery performances often create an amazing sense that it could all fall apart at any second, creating a fantastic musical tension. Such tracks as
"Up the Beach,"
"Ocean Size,"
and one of
alt-rock
's greatest anthems,
"Mountain Song,"
contain the spaciousness created by the band's two biggest influences,
Led Zeppelin
the Cure
. Elsewhere,
"Ted, Just Admit It..."
(about serial killer
Ted Bundy
) and the haunting yet gorgeous
"Summertime Rolls"
stretched to epic proportions, making great use of changing moods and dynamics (something most
bands of the time were oblivious to). An incredibly consistent and challenging album, other highlights included the rockers
"Had a Dad"
"Pigs in Zen,"
the horn-driven
"Idiots Rule,"
the
jazz
instrumental
"Thank You Boys,"
and the up-tempo
"Standing in the Shower...Thinking."
Like most great bands, it was not a single member whose contribution was greater:
's unique voice and lyrics,
Dave Navarro
's guitar riffs and wailing leads,
Eric Avery
's sturdy basslines, and one of rock's greatest and most powerful drummers,
Stephen Perkins
.
is a must-have for lovers of cutting-edge, influential, and timeless
hard rock
. ~ Greg Prato