On May 15th, 1987 Jane’s Addiction released their first and self-titled album, often referred to as Triple X, due to being released by Triple X Records. The entire album was recorded live at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles on January 26, 1987, with acoustic and electric songs. Though a crowd is heard on the record, it was not originally from Jane’s show, but from a performance from a band called Los Lobos. The band consisted of Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Eric Avery, and Stephen Perkins. The sound from this album has a rough, down-and-dirty rock and roll style, containing lots of guitar solos and heavy basslines. Perry Farrell, the lead singer, has a different voice compared to their studio albums.
Coming in hot, the first song on the album is titled “Trip Away.” Being fast-paced at the beginning, Perkins hits off with the drums and Navarro’s distorted-sounding guitar plays. To me, this song is quite similar to their more popularly known song “Stop.” Towards the middle, the song slows down, being very melodic and in tune, but shortly after, kicks back in with Dave’s guitar solo. The second song “Whores” starts with a strong, simple bassline played by Eric Avery and is slower, but throughout, Navarro is once again heard leading the band’s flow with his unique playing style. “Pigs in Zen” is listed next, and on many of the original CDs for this album, there is a typo that this song is titled “Pigs in Ten” instead. During live sets for this song, the band often works in different approaches and styles to it. The studio version of this song is featured on their second album, Nothing’s Shocking. The fourth song is called “1%.” It was recorded in 1986 and is one of four songs that have never been rereleased and studio recorded. In my opinion, this song sounds like it belongs on the Guns N’ Roses album Appetite for Destruction. The bassline and choppy guitar playing make it have a similar feel. Halfway through the album, “I Would For You” is heard. It was written by Perry for his girlfriend at the time, Casey Niccoli. Later, Farrell would take it and perform it with his other band, Porno For Pyros. Breaking up the upbeat and exciting feeling, this song is slow and melancholy.
The first acoustic song on the record is called “My Time.” Written in 1985 by Perry Farrell, it has a harmonica intro and solo towards the middle, and you can really hear Perry’s harsh vocals at some points, as well. “Jane Says,” a staple in almost every live performance and one of their most popular songs is next. Even though the whole album is a little different from their other work, this song is very distinct from their well-known studio version. I prefer this style, not only because of Dave’s short little guitar solo at the end, but because it sounds very raw. The eighth song is titled “Rock & Roll.” Though being a cover from The Velvet Underground, Jane’s Addiction turns it into their own. Once again, Navarro adds everything together with his guitar playing. The second cover of the album and ninth song is called “Sympathy,” coming from the Rolling Stones’ song “Sympathy For The Devil.” This is the last main song before “Chip Away,” where Navarro, Perkins, and Avery come together to play the drums. Only lasting less than three minutes, it’s dark sounding and very repetitive but puts the album to an end.
Overall, I would say this is my favorite Jane’s Addiction album because I love hearing Dave Navarro’s guitar playing throughout the whole album and it has a good mix of acoustic and electric songs. It is often overlooked, with the Nothing’s Shocking album being considered their first.
