To the mosquitos,

We have more influence over your children than you do, but we love your children. Most of you love them too, very much. You want whats best for them. Consider them when planning the future.

Liner notes for Ritual de lo Habitual

This ominous statement from Janes Addiction lead singer Perry Farrel was issued in response to the censorship of the cover art displayed on the bands second album Ritual de lo Habitual. Like the notorious 2 Live Crew, Janes Addiction has fallen under the scrutiny of those who would determine the moral validity of art.

Unfortunately, Janes Addiction, a band possesed of substantial artistic merit and capable of making an intelligent statement on the issue, has been all but ignored by the news media, while 2 Live Crew, a coalition of stammering, witless adolescents, have been allowed to represent the entire musical community in commenting on the issue. This isn’t really surprising when one considers the state of affairs in the rock n‘ roll world today.

Albums like Ritual de lo Habitual, which establishes Janes Addiction as inheritors of Hard Rock throne abdicated by Led Zeppelin ten years ago just aren’t being heard.

Ritual de lo Habitual is a worthy follow up to the band’s 1988 debut Nothing’s Shocking and it firmly establishes Janes Addiction as one of the premiere American rock bands operating today. The album is all fire and rock n’ roll passion. This band can just burn and burn and burn, while keeping its flame captivating by underscoring it with creative, melodic song writing.

But the thing that makes Jane’s Addiction one of the bands to watch in the 1990’s is Farrell. Aside from having one of the most unique and distinctive voices in rock n‘ roll, Farrell is also an extraordinary lyricist. He uses the simplest language to make sweepingly potent statements. On songs like “Been Caught Stealing,” and “Of Course,” Farrell writes from a perspective that seems almost childishly naive on the surface. However, upon reflection, one realizes that in doing so Farrell is making hopelessly complex issues seem supremely simple.

Farrell’s voice and vision, coupled with the band’s power and passion are what make Jane’s Addiction and Ritual de lo Habitual worth checking out. That is, of course, if you can find it in the first place.