Customer Reviews

Strays [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]

5 star:		(88)
4 star:		(69)
3 star:		(24)
2 star:		(19)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

Like all good Jane's albums, you need to listen to them at least 10 times start to finish before determing whether they blow or not. I am beginning to love this album.

I was really bummed out that Perry's artwork was not on the cover or involved with the CD at all. I have a feeling they rushed this album out so it would sell while they toured.

"True Nature" and "The Riches" stood out as classic Jane's adrenaline tunes with great lyrics. I feel like the more the CD spins, the more I get into the songs I initially thought were horrible. The only song that is truly idiotic is "Superhero". What were they thinking?

The album is not as insightful or groundbreaking as previous works, but it keeps us late 80's/early 90's "Jane's freaks" from travelling to Madagascar to find rare and unreleased material. I truly think that, although drugs seem to have broken up the band, they WERE the band. I was always so interested in what happened to Perry on the streets or on some sort of wacked out heroin vision. It added a mystical quality to the music.

I hate to see these old farts on MTV. I used to think they were so cool. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth to see the father of alternative rock try so hard to fit in to the MTV idiot crowd. Navarro thinks he is some sort of fashion model. Perkins is the only one who is cool enough to know that they are JANE'S ADDICTION. They don't need to try so hard. They are already the coolest band ever.

Anyhoo, buy the album. Listen to it without reading the lyrics in the CD sleeve. Listen to it again and again. There are layers that begin to reveal themselves. It's like a magic eye picture. You can see some cool stuff in there if you look long enough.

Jane's Addiction is one of the only "Alternative" bands that actually fits that title. They were never just classic rock, country rock, or punk rock with new guitar settings. They were literally the Alternative to all that other stuff in the late 80's & 90's that was simply repackaged music under a different catagory title. Quite simply, this was one of the only bands that really matter of the last 20 years.
That said I had high expectations for Strays and they didn't dissapoint. They still sound unlike any other band around, even the ones who try and sound like them. This album is another classic. It's not just a repeat of Nothing's Shocking or Ritual Do Lo Habitual, but it still only sounds like Jane's Addiction.
One thing Jane's still has is some of the best changes and transitions of any band ever. If a song's not doin' it for you at first, wait a few minutes 'cos they'll get to the tasty part. Now let's just hope we don't have to wait 13 years for another follow up, but even if we do, this album proves that: a) reunion albums actually can be great, and b) even at 13 years, this one was worth the wait.

It's not awful. There are some very listenable tunes here (See "The Riches", "Wrong Girl", "Suffer Some"). "Superhero" was a decent song until it became the theme for HBO's "Entourage", now it's everywhere you see any mention of the show.

The main problem here is that this just isn't Jane's Addiction the way people know them ("Three Days", "Summertime Rolls", etc..). It's like trading in your Coke for Jewel Cola. Ain't got no right, right Jane's?? This is what you get when a band goes away in their prime, then comes back for the pity encore.

It's like watching Deion Sanders coming out of retirement, he's alright, but he ain't no Neon Deion. I suppose you can't really expect a bunch of aging icons to pack the same punch they did. It's just kinda sad to see them try.

Most of the other reviews have gotten the point across, this is a good album, especially considering the break they took, but it's not their best. Overall it's more of a straight-forward rock record, and not as creative or unique as the old stuff is. Still though, if you don't compare it to their other albums it's really good, and better than most of the crap I continue to hear on radio. The first 3 tracks are very strong, "Everybody's Friend" is a nice slow song, and the closer is sweet too. As far as the DVD goes, it's about 20-30 minutes of behind-the-scenes type footage, and the video for "Just Because" also. The disc and DVD are a must for the fanatic, newcomers should just get "Nothing's Shocking" or "Ritual De Lo Habitual".

Before I write this review, I have to state I loved Janes for years, even when they first hit the scene. But something is missing here, because if my ears are working right, this is way main stream for these guys. And what's with the bass playing, Eric Avery look alike ? I seriously miss Avery and you can hear it in this album. Even Kettle Whistle points this out, a far better album all in all. If the players in Janes are growing a little more seasoned and trying something different, that's cool, and even necessary. Every album I've ever bought from these guys has practically been worn out by so much play time.

But honestly, what has happened to Perry's lyrics ? 'Superman' could have been the next boy band hit with lyrics like ' Yeah/yeah,Yeah/yeah,yeah..I need you desperately, I wanna be your Superhero, Yeah I want to be your Superhero..'
There is no depth or poetry like I remember. Perry Farrell is a top notch writer...
What Happened ?! I wanna cry here...

Perkins and Navarro still rock, and in general every Janes fan will buy this, but be warned, Janes Addiction it is not what it once was.

Check out the CD by Deconstruction, put out by Eric Avery and Dave Navarro. If you feel the same way I do over this, buy an album that is raw, honest, and not trying to make MTV fans. A must for the real Janes Fans.

This album just disappointed me in general, but I still dig the group.

After 13 years, Janes are back! Or are they?

In a few words, Janes Addiction's new album, "Strays" is sadly enough a poor attempt to recapture the magic, uniqueness, and purpose of their early days. I was afraid of this. After 13 years, a new album by Janes has been the source of everyone's' (including my own) prayers. However, I knew it wasn't going to cut it before I even listened to the CD. First clue: look at the cover of the CD - a photo of the band, on the cover? Look through the CD folds, do you see any of Perry's art anywhere? No!

In listening to the CD, there is nothing here, nothing at all except for "Suffer Some" which perhaps is only because it was
performed on their live sets throughout the late eighties and was not included in their earlier albums, but it's an old song.
Nevertheless, so much better live, as all their stuff is.

In Strays, there is no musical creativity! The songs all sound exactly the same. They have nothing important to say anymore, as they did in the late eightees. There is not one acoustic song, which is what once defined Janes as so great -- the fact that they could converge their hard, in-your-face rock with a slew of acoustic, emotional, passionate ballads; this is what defined Janes as not only rockers, but real, innovative musicians. Their old sets back in the eighties would be spent playing an electric set one night, then acoustic the next. I can't even continue to convey the utter brilliance of old Janes. It makes me want to weep listening to this pitiful album. Eric Avery is extremely missed. His bass playing was a crucial component to Janes old music; how they thought they could get by with this Chaney, who has not one decent bass line in the entire album, is beyond me. I'd say, Janes, who were always so careful not to "sell out" have done so, and as always Janes' style, they've done it to the max.

Legends such as Janes Addiction are deemed as legends usually after their demise. They opened the doors and defined the alternative/grundge scene (with help by The Pixies) and so when they split, they became legends. Usually resurrections as this ultimately destroy the image these guys impressed upon their real fans. All though I admit, seeing Perry at Tower NYC was amazing, Janes, as much as they ARE THE BAND for me, should have remained a beautiful, elegant memory, a symbol of the times, and nothing more

Sadly,
Richard C Williams

The problem with bands who attempt comebacks is that if they sound like they used to, they get hammered because they didn't progress. If they've progressed, you'll get the old school fans that want it all to sound the same. I believe Perry and the band have made the CD that fits who they are today. Like most great CDs, this one hits you in the teeth with no apologies with the first 5 songs, settles into a groove with the next 5 songs, then closes with a highlight. My personal favorites are "Just Because," "The Riches," "Everybody's Friend," and "To Match the Sun." With all of the negative, CBA (could be anyone) bands out there with videos with guitar players hunched over while playing, it's refreshing for a CD like this to come along with more of a feel-good/uptempo (without sounding angry) vibe to the songs. I agree with other reviewers who recommend not comparing this release to previous releases by J.A. because the band is just in a different space now (after all, are you the same person you were 13 years ago?). Judging it on it's own, I give it the best rating- it's one of my favorite CDs of the last 10 years.

I've been a long time fan now, following the various incarnations of Perry Farrell and his bands/acts. While I like his solo stuff and PFP, it doesn't hold a candle to Jane's and this album keeps that true. From start to finish, this is one strong album! "Just Becuase" was great for the first single and really got me pumped for the release of the CD. "Price I Pay" has some great vocals and riffs. "The Riches" is my favorite on the album and has the best guitar solo I've heard this side of 1992. "Everybody's Friend" is a cool ballad that gives some variety to the album away from harder rock. "To Match the Sun" is among my favorites and a perfect closing to the album.

With bands like Jane's and the upcoming Velvet Revolver, I'm glad to see that straight-up hard rock is anything BUT dead!

Its only like 20 minutes but its got live performances which is very cool. The live STRAYS solo is pretty sick. Dave's the man on guitar. I was also at the show "Price I Pay" on the DVD was filmed.

The album its self is only 4 stars. Its a really good listen and the more I jam it the better it gets. I love hearing this cd, its a little over produced but the fact its a very loud record makes up for that.

Anyway if you like Jane's and you're on the fence buy it. And listen a couple times, its different, from Nothings Shocking and RdlH but its still stands up..

Jane's addiction was for me as a 17 year old kid one of the main reasons to pick up instruments and start rockin'!

Now 13 years later it sounds like they've never been away. What an awesome mind blowing album!

Great to hear Dave and Stephen made up and welcome to Chris as the new bassplayer.

Perry is as always the imperfect voice which makes Jane's sound so unique!

When you love rock, you should at least listen to this album. And if you like this album, I can advise you to buy 'Ritual de lo Habitual' and 'Nothings shocking' immediately...

Jane's Addiction rocks!

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