Jane's Addiction - Nothing's Shocking
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Free Music Notes for Nothing's Shocking
Free Music Review: An immeasureable artistic contribution
Hit: 5 Stars
I felt compelled to write this review after reading the one by the last fellow who said he would rather listen to "fingernails on a chalkboard" than listen to Nothing's Shocking. I certainly don't disagree with him; Jane's Addiction is not and will never be for everybody, but I just wanted to offer some contrasting insight into this record for those who might seek the benefit of another opinion.Nothing's Shocking came into my life in 1992, a year after the band broke up. I was 17. Up until that point, I had never heard a band so successfully meld influences from so many different genres into such an instantly recognizable sound. From the lush, narcotic soundscapes of "Up the Beach", to the grandeur of "Ocean Size", to the earth-rattling tribalism of "Mountain Song", this album draws from all walks of life without a hint of judgment, all the while steeped in mystique. This is the album's best quality; it asks more questions than it answers, constantly juxtaposing seemingly unrelated themes in an effort to make the listener question his or her own ideas. Mystical romances coincide with hedonistic impulses. Sexual ambiguity looms about, lending a constant sense of confusion to the lyrical motives. Dreams, thoughts, drug addiction, and biographical accounts of serial killers, are discussed with equal attention.
Musically, this album is about as innovative as it gets. Guitarist Dave Navarro borrows equally from American hard rock and English shoe-gazer psychedelia; underneath, bassist Eric Avery provides a sensual, melodic throb; drummer Stephen Perkins simply has no equal.
And yes, Perry Farrell can't sing. He has even admitted this onstage. But without his voice, this band and the countless others that followed would never exist. He is without question the defining member, a psycho-sexual banshee whose vision provided the basis for so much greatness. His inimitable croon is absolutely mesmerizing, belting forth some of the most brilliant lines in rock's most instantly recognizable voice. It's all there for those who are willing and able to understand.
Although I have moved past this phase in my life, I still remember Nothing's Shocking as the album that, for me, made it all possible. All young, open-minded people who appreciate intelligent music owe it to themselves to give this album a chance. It is not for everyone. But if it is for you, you will never forget it.
Free Music Review: Don't be shocked if you become addicted.
Hit: 5 Stars
By the late 1980's mainstream rock was in a bad way. Cheesy glam metal bands were taking over, each one more indistinguishable than the last. However, a select few bands emerged in this time, to offer up a much-needed change of pace. Along with Living Colour, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faith No More, and a few others, Jane's Addiction helped give birth to the "funk metal" genre, combining, as one might guess, funk and metal. These bands were more creative, more eclectic, more diverse, and just generally a whole heck of a lot better than the average Johnny Suck Poison wannabe band dominating the airwaves.
This, the band's proper debut, has since become a timeless classic. Listening to it today, it's hard to believe it's nearly 20 years old. "Nothing's Shocking" is rocking, diverse, original, and tons of fun. Initially, I pretty much hated Perry Farrel's offkey wails, but in time, I've come to accept, and even enjoy them, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Combined with the mighty Dave Navarro on guitar, and the super-groovin' rhythm section of Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins, you get one hell of a musical force.
The album starts off with the trippy guitar-rock intro, "Up the Beach", moving smoothly into the double hard rock assault of "Ocean Size" and "Had a Dad". Elsewhere, there's plenty of diversity, from the oddly hypnotic "Summertime Rolls", to the fun, rollicking "Standing in the Shower...Thinking", to the killer multi-part epic "Ted, Just Admit It", to the oh-so-mighty funk power of "Idiots Rule", to the crushing metal of "Mountain Song" (which Judas Priest recently ripped off with the song "Revolution") and the vicious closer "Pigs in Zen". "Jane Says" is perhaps the band's most well-known song, and with good reason. Built around a simple acoustic riff, adorned with subtle steel drums, the band shows a warmer, more heartfelt side, as well as showcasing Navarro's versatility, being able to shred out like a madman, as well as lay back with a tasteful, ear-catching strum pattern. The short, jazzy instrumental "Thank You Boys" is pretty keen as well.
This is, quite simply, one of the best rock albums money can buy, by one of the most innovative rock bands of the last two decades. It's unfortunate that this band didn't stay together longer, or make more albums than they did, but they sure made a huge impact in that brief time. Get all of their stuff. It is all freakin' great.
Free Music Review: Back in the days...
Hit: 5 Stars
I saw Jane's Addiction in '88 when they were touring for this release. They opened for the Ramones in Pittsburgh in the basement of the Syria Mosque. I'd heard their first self-titled release, but "Nothing's Shocking" had just come out. Live, they were incredible--but unfortunately, Perry came out in a girdle and hard-core Ramones fans boo-ed them off the stage, which really SUCKED--because, musically, they are way better than the Ramones. I loved all the new songs, so I bought the album, and my high expectations were not disappointed, but in fact surpassed when I listened to this incredible CD. Farrell's voice sounded like something unearthly to me, like a freakin' banshee from hell or something, and Navarro's guitar was rooted in the best of early '70's rock with some new twists. Even now, when I listen to "Nothing's Shocking," I can think of few other bands in the history of rock music that can match their innovative style, eccentric personalities, and energetic attack on the reality testing of the listener. At the time, I introducted JA to my friends, and they all hated it. I'd hoped it would be a bridge to connect my hippy-Dead-Head and Metal-Head (Motorhead, Metallica, etc.) friends, but it was too gender-vague for the head-bangers with their homophobia and too loud for the stoner Dead Heads. Well, by the time Lollapalooza came around, that's what we got--a melding of factions in the youth; dead heads, headbangers, punkers, and even hip hop fans, all came together and shared something there. So, I thought that was cool, and I felt somewhat vindicated and, with my head up my butt, I bit conceited for feeling I'd somehow foreseen this bright future. Well, the years have passed and kids are still as divided as ever, but now we have new musical categories which divide them up. Anyway, Jane's for me has always been about a fusion of styles, nothing short of a social revolution of sorts that didn't really pan out--so I guess I was an idealist and now I know better. But at least this album, "Nothing's Shocking," stands as Jane's greatest achievement--yes, I think much better than "Ritual de lo Habitual."Free Music Review: Perfection
Hit: 5 Stars
This album is perfection personified. I recall the feelings I had when I first heard this album and now know what people felt like when they first heard "Revolver" from the Beatles. This album single handedly changed the way I listened to music. Changed everything I should expect from music. This album was/is daring, energetic and dangerous. It showed you the world thru these four people's eyes. Just looking at the cover tells you there is something different about this album. It came out during the "hair metal" days. It was nothing like what was around then. I loved it, the non-cookie cutter sound to it. Each song on this album flows together very well. "Up the beach" starts this bad boy off, it's basically a semi-instumental track with the only vocals being "hooome". That leads you to "Ocean Size" and "Had a Dad" two rockers. Then the highlight of the album comes up "Ted Just Admit It..." its the bands take on TV, media, violence, sex and drugs. Its a great song. It still gives me chills to this day. "Standing in The Shower Thinking" is the next tune which is basically just that, a song about when you get in the shower and think about things. "Summertime Rolls" the slowed down, tripped out love song is next, this song also is a highlight of the album. "Mountain Song" from the opening bass lick you know you're in for a treat on this song. "Idiots Rule" you'd have to listen to this one yourself to see what its about. I know what its about but I think everyone should at least hear it and make their own judgement. "Jane Says" if you haven't heard this one I'm very surprised. "Thank You Boys" is your one minute breather until the you get to the studio version of "Pigs In Zen", which closes the album. This track has so much energy and angst to it. Its seemingly about to explode at any moment but never does. Anyway if you've read this far you may be interested in buying this album. My suggestion is buy it. Lay down somewhere turn this album on as loud as you can stand, get your self your favorite drink and just drift away.Free Music Review: I'm gonna kick tomorrow...
Hit: 5 Stars
The good news is that Jane Bainter, the Perry/Casey associate whose addiction led to the band's name, did get and stay clean, and apparently she also eventually got to Spain, too.Nothing's Shocking is as much a piece of Art as a cutting edge Thinking Person's Metal album. This is even reflected in the utterly haunting cover photo of a Perry Farrell sculpture of a pair of naked Siamese Twins with their heads on fire, sitting on a wicker chair.
As many of you will know, the 'Twins' were made from a papier mache body cast of Perry's then girlfriend, the remarkable Casey Niccoli, which was then duplicated and fused. Whatever its origins, it is an unforgettable image and naturally caused major controversy on the album's release.
Musically, Nothing's Shocking includes some of Jane's best work, although apparently the band wrote most of the material for their first three albums when they first got together.
The stunningly beautiful 'Jane Says' went on to become one of the most played Rock ballads of all time, along with U2's 'One' and Led Zeppelin's 'Thank You' and 'Stairway To Heaven'.
Yet this album also contains such powerhouse numbers as Ocean Size, Mountain Song and Pigs In Zen (Pigs, not on the original vinyl - not my UK copy, anyway) which can just about blow the doors off any competition you could name.
If I recall correctly, Ted Just Admit It was recorded while serial killer Ted Bundy was still around, and was all the more chilling because of that fact.
Rather than babble further, I would just ask you to give this rare work of genius a listen, and savor the breathtaking combination of Perry Farrell's unique and hypnotic vocals, Dave N's brilliantly inventive guitar work and as classic a collection of songs as you will ever get on one album.
'Just Because' from the new album is a reminder of the awesome power that the band can still wield, but this album right here, is the one that put them on the map.