Login for Favorites
EDIT INFOJane's Addiction - The Great Escape Artist
Tweet
Album Details
- Artist: Jane's Addiction
- Album: The Great Escape Artist
- Label: Capitol
- Year of Release: 2011
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: tosnob on 2011-12-05
RecommendWhen approaching The Great Escape Artist, the new album from Jane's Addiction, it's important to realize that this is not the same band that brought you Nothing's Shocking. Twenty five years on a lot has changed, and being idle for much of that time, it seems unfair to judge the band against their previous heights.
One of the biggest changes is TV On The Radio's David Sitek picking up the bass for the band. Unlike Eric Avery, no one can accuse Sitek of being funky. Furthermore, Sitek had a big influence in the production of the record, meaning there are a lot more programmed effects and synth sounds this time around.
The band seems to use the effects as a crutch at times though. Songs like "End to the Lies" and "I'll Hit You Back" are the sounds of a band slapping things together to flesh out an album. Even worse is "Ultimate Reason", a dull modern rock song that would've fit well alongside late-90s, early-2000s efforts from lesser lights like of Incubus and Linkin Park.
The album does have some highlight moments to recommend it though. The opener "Underground" is big and booming, easily filling a room with delightful fuzz. "Twisted Tales" has a smooth flowing refrain that sucks you in.
The lead single "Irresistible Force" quite nearly lives up to it's name. The song is broad, sweeping, and insidiously catchy, making for a totally gripping combination.
There is a deluxe version of the album available on iTunes. It contains an 11-song live set recorded in Mexico. Other than a playful rendition of "Been Caught Stealing", it's a mostly forgettable and murky set that certainly isn't worth the extra few dollars.
On it's own merits, The Great Escape Artist is not a terrible album. It's just not great either.
User Reviews and Comments
Log In or Register to Rate AlbumsTell us why this album is great or sucks ass, or correct the reviewer. If you write enough quality reviews you may find yourself on the editorial staff.
Reviews have to be over 100 words, shorter ones are classed as comments.
Log In or Register to Rate AlbumsReview:
on 2012-01-25 Bertman Said:
Janes Addiction
The Great Escape Artist
Capitol, 2011
On this most recent release, The Great Escape Artist, Janes Addiction no longer sound as though they are method acting their way through a new record. The band manages to move forward and still sound like Janes without trying to rewrite previous material. There is a darker, feel to all of it as they seem to be confronting years of missteps.
Opening up the disc with Underground , Dave Navarros fluid lead work is on display and he waxes lyrical every chance he gets.
The bands rougher edges have been buffed out to a fine dark finish with a sheen of electronica winning out over rock 101 moves. A new sort of disturbed tension seems to be the added ingredient. The production is densely textured and it all feels vaguely cinematic, in as much as the album demands to be heard in its entirety. The songs are fine on their own, but the album as art is on seamless display here. The closing number Words Right Out of My Mouth opens with Farrell musing about the idea of birds swooping down and stealing his voice before launching into the song itself. On display throughout The Great Escape Artist is all the wonderful idiosyncratic, art house quirkiness that set Janes apart from the alternative herd years ago. They seem to finally be delivering once again on the promise of greatness they so often flirted with.
Rating: 7/10
