On “Then She Did,” Farrell riffs Jim Morrison-like about living and death and making the most of things. At its conclusion, Farrell exclaims, “with that bullshit out of the way,” which is odd because the performance was very good, although it may have signaled at the tensions within in the band that would break up in less than a year’s time.
Next up, “Had A Dad” followed by “Been Caught Stealing” showcase the band. They deliver a great, extended jam before the former, and they cut loose and play around on the bridge of the latter. After “Stealing,” it’s funny to hear Farrell between songs saying, “this moment is once in a lifetime. It will not presented to you again like a beer commercial” yet here we have it. Not the exact moment, but darn close.
The DVD contains Soul Kiss, a compilation of band shenanigans that features an uncensored video of “Mountain Song” that MTV wouldn’t play. It also includes music videos and three songs performed on MTV Italy, all of which can likely be found online.
While the albums, excluding the unneeded greatest hits, are the best place to begin a journey into Jane’s sonic wonderland, A Cabinet of Curiosities is a strong enough collection that I wouldn't hesitate suggesting it to someone interested. Their music isn’t stuck in time and still sounds very modern.
Fans of the band will surely appreciate this set. Jane’s isn’t just attempting to “cash in, honey.” Rather, they provide a great audio autobiography through a lot of previously unavailable material. You’ll want to make it “mine all mine.”
Article comments
1 - Josh Hathaway
Nice work here, Bicho. I agree this is not the way to introduce someone to Jane's Addiction, but it's a nice set for those who are already fans. That 3rd disc -- the live show you attended -- is really, really good.
2 - El Bicho
Thanks, Josh. The show was stellar and some of their videos are taken from the same night, or at least that run. There's something special about catching a band at their peak in a small club.
One of the nights, and I don't remember which, at the end of show some woman made it onto the stage and leaped into Dave's arms. He caught her, she wrapped her legs around him, and they made out as he carried her off. It was so rock 'n' roll.