Jane's Addiction vinyl

It's been a pity to witness Jane's Addiction's onstage bust-up in 2024 just because they're one of the best American rock bands ever and we wish they'd settle their differences. But let's rewind to a more settled chapter in their existence. Formed in 1985, they were the hottest band in Los Angeles at that time and they bucked the trend by releasing a live album as their debut album. Originally released via the indie label Triple X in 1987, it was recorded at Roxy Theatre, with overdubs added at a studio later. Many of the songs on here would end up re-recorded once the band landed their major record deal. But there's a charm and magic to hearing things a little less polished and tapping into a band on the cusp of greatness. Standouts include the melodic classic 'Jane Says' and the Van Halen-esque lead guitar epic 'Pigs In Zen'. Both were later re-recorded and released on their acclaimed Nothing's Shocking album. Meanwhile, their cover of the Stones' 'Sympathy For The Devil' (re-titled 'Sympathy') shows off the band's penchant for Zeppelin-esque wig-outs and is an indicator of the sheer voodoo power that Dave Navarrow (guitar) and Perry Farrell (vocals) conjured on stage together. If only they can work things out soon.