Jane Says
Last week I was driving around running errands and listening to Jane's Addiction. Remember Jane's Addiction? God, one of my favorite live recordings ever is "Jane Says."
This is the cover to their debut studio album, ironically titled "Nothing's Shocking." At the time, it was a pretty shocking image to me. The sculpture was made by Perry Farrell, after an image he'd seen in a dream, and most retailers at the time refused to carry it. The album was then sold with a cardboard slipcover.I've been listening to them for 20 some-odd years, but the other day it got me wistful. It reminded me of my post-high school, pre-marriage years when my friends and I worked the late shift at restaurants, stayed out watching live bands in dive bars all weekend, and tried to make our Intro to Theater class Monday morning. Before Starbuck's, before everyone had a cell phone, before iPods, and before anyone realized that computers would soon be cool. The days of driving the 300 dollar, 70s-issued muscle car that your uncle fixed up for you. When we were phasing out of the super-teased headbanger concert hair, and going through our grunge hippie phase.
I have another little spot on the web, called "Moongroove." It's a very different site, kind of a little happy place for me to zone out, collect images that make me feel good, and share some of my favorite music. One of the pictures I posted recently really made me want to go to a concert again:
I mean, look at that chick. This image perfectly captures that feeling of having a great time. I used to love going to concerts, and I wanted to go again. But it's not what it used to be. It's expensive! And crowded! And you don't get home til 2:00! And...ugh...it's just easier to stay home, right? Man do I feel old.So I got lucky when I found out that Jane's Addiction would be at the Arizona State Fair. I could go to a concert, the tickets would be cheap, and I'd get home early. Better yet, I invited one of my old-school BFFs. Done!
I have to admit, I was a little trepidatious about going...I mean, Perry Farrell's been in & out of rehab how many times? And he's how old? And what's the big deal about Dave Navarro anyway? I was afraid they would just sound...thrashed.OH BOY WAS I WRONG. They were AWESOME! In fact, I couldn't believe how great they sounded. I guess that's one of the good things about going to see a band that made their way by playing live gigs; they just know how to do it. And not only did they sound great, they were fun to watch as well. Dave Navarro just rips on that guitar, and Perry, well, Perry could be his own show. I don't think I have ever seen a concert where the lead singer was enjoying himself so immensely. I mean, he was smiling the whole time. The dude was just having fun and loving life. And you know what? It didn't stop with him. That's the thing about good energy. The whole stadium was having a good time. Everyone was in a great mood. It flowed out of him, and it was contagious.It might have had something to do with the fact that the entire place reeked of weed, but...no, really. It was an awesome show. If you get a chance to see them live, don't give it a second thought. Just go. And have fun.
Jane saysI'm done with SergioHe treats me like a ragdollShe hidesThe televisionSays I don't owe him nothing,But if he comes back againTell him to wait right here for meOr justTry again tomorrowI'm gonna kick tomorrowGonna kick tomorrowJane saysHave you seen my wig around?I feel naked without itShe knowsThey all want her to goBut that's O.K. manShe dont like them anywayJane saysI'm goin away to SpainWhen I get my money savedI'm gonna start tomorrowI'm gonna kick tomorrowGonna kick tomorrowShe gets madStarts to cryShe takes a swing butShe cant hitShe don't mean no harmShe just don't knowWhat else to do about itJane goesTo the store at 8:00She walk up on St. AndrewsShe waitsAnd gets her dinner thereShe pulls her dinnerFrom her pocketJane saysI've never been in loveI don't know what it isOnly knows if someone wants herI want them if they want meI only know they want meShe gets madAnd she starts to cryShe takes a swing manShe cant hit!She don't mean no harmShe just don't knowWhat else to do about itJane saysJane says