Janes Addiction's Alt. Rock Landmark Ritual de lo Habitual Turns 35

jaybroderick
22 hours ago
3 min read

By: Jay Broderick - Jane's Addiction... no band name could ever be more fitting. While the name was inspired by a woman that lived with the band as they tried to gain ground in their chosen profession, it is also a direct reflection of the band members themselves. The struggles of vocalist Perry Ferrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, bassist Eric Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins is highly documented. Each member of the band spiraled out of control with heroin, cocaine and LSD addiction.

Yet even in the midst of all the excess, Jane's Addiction released their 2nd album Ritual de lo Habitual. While it was a massive breakthrough for the band, it was a major milestone for alternative rock. With its controversial album cover, the album was a window into the personal tragedies experienced by Perry Ferrell who had lost his girlfriend to a drug overdose, and his mother to suicide when the singer was only 3 years old.

The album was released 35 years ago, on August 21, 1990, and is the band's biggest selling record. Let's have another listen, for the first time:

Ritual de lo Habitual starts off with a Spanish girl speaking the translated words "Ladies and gentlemen, we have more influence over your children than you do". It's a bit of a "fuck-you", but in reality, not many truer words have been spoken. The track then kicks into a blistery guitar riff by Navarro, and Farrell calling out "HERE WE GO!" While it's the fiery start of the record, the lead track is titled "Stop!" and it's the band's unapologetic rant, urging you to listen. Are you ready? Cuz you're going to be in for a wild ride!

A funky bass beat by Eric Avery kicks off "No One's Leaving". The track has an immediate infectious groove that will have you wanting to dance, despite Farrell's confrontational lyrics on racism and identity. It's a message that is quite possibly even more pertinent today. Or perhaps, it's a message that has been told for decades. But are we listening?

Many music fans love deep cuts, rather than the radio friendly singles released with the purpose of selling records. I'm not much different, but on this one, one of my favourite tracks was the 3rd released single "Been Caught Stealing". The song's funky bite is another that will have you moving and grooving. There is little wonder why it's the band's biggest song. The iconic dog barking during the song's opening notes are not just police dogs looking to tear the kleptomaniac to shreds either, but actual barks from Farrell's dog Annie during recording. The band loved it so much, they left it in the song, proving that legends happen when they're least expected. Man, that funky beat, as the singer shares his tale of entitlement! It's pure gold, and one of the most iconic songs of the alt. rock revolution.

It's the last half of Ritual de lo Habitual where things get quite heavy for the band's frontman. Tracks 6 thru 9 are emotionally raw. These are the tracks that are a tribute to the singer's aforementioned girlfriend and mother. While the music contains atmosphere, nostalgia and lushness, some of Navarro's greatest guitar work is done here, such as the legendary guitar solo on "Three Days". While "Three Days" and "Classic Girl" were released as singles, the second half of the album pulls away from the more radio friendly tracks in the first half of the record. The grief in these tracks is real, as Farrell pours his heart out onto the paper.

Track Listing

1. "Stop!" - 4:14

2. "No One's Leaving" - 3:01

3. "Ain't No Right" - 3:34

4. "Obvious" - 5:55

5. "Been Caught Stealing" - 3:34

6. "Three Days" - 10:48

7. "Then She Did ..." - 8:18

8. "Of Course" - 7:02

9. "Classic Girl" - 5:07

Jane's Addiction's pinnacle is like 2 recordings in one. The first half's rebellious nature is loud and fast, while the second half is a more reflective inner look at personal loss. It makes for a record that influenced a generation, despite the band members' drug addictions. While they escaped their ultimate demise on this particular recording, the lifestyle is not one that can be sustained. But this album will be! And perhaps for many more decades to come.

Janes Addiction Online

Release Date: August 21, 1990