WHO IS THIS? The shamanic Jane’s Addiction / Porno For Pyros / Satellite Party frontman, Lollapalooza founder, agent provocateur and eccentric entrepreneur.
WHAT IS THIS? His first solo album in 18 years, which shares a name with his latest brainchild, an Asian-themed multi-media something-or-other that is slated to open in Las Vegas next year.
WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE? Remarkably good. And reasonably varied. The heavier cuts are reasonable facsimiles of Jane’s, while others delve into dubstep, electronica and psychedelia. Farrell seems in good spirits and even better voice, and elder statesman producer Tony Visconti’s expert touch gives the whole affair an artsy sheen. The fly in the ointment: At 31 minutes, it’s far too short.
WHAT WOULD BE A BETTER TITLE FOR THIS ALBUM? Kind of Heavenly.
HOW SHOULD I LISTEN TO IT? While sitting in the lotus position and having your nipples pierced.
WHAT 10 WORDS DESCRIBE IT? Cathartic, positive, trippy, stylish, poised, provocative, swaggering, sexy, theatrical, extroverted.
WHAT ARE THE BEST SONGS? The pointedly political Pirate Punk Politician is a muscular rabble-rouser; Spend the Body is an electro dance-rock seduction; More Than I Could Bear channels the exotic swirl of Led Zep’s Kashmir.
WHAT WILL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAY? ‘Is it over already?’
HOW OFTEN WILL I LISTEN TO THIS? Well, twice as often as you’d listen to it if it were an hour long.
IF THIS ALBUM WERE A EXERCISE, WHAT KIND OF EXERCISE WOULD IT BE? Tantric yoga.
SHOULD I BUY, STREAM OR STEAL? If you’re a fan, you’ll get your money’s worth.
