Rev - Perry Farrell

Perry Farrell has been the singer of two groundbreaking, influential bands -- Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros -- so it was only fitting that a best-of should be issued. The 1999 16-track compilation Rev included highlights and rarities from both outfits, as well as a pair of new solo tracks. While most of the expected songs are featured ("Mountain Song," "Stop," "Pets," "Tahitian Moon,"), the track listing ultimately leaves out many highlights: "Ain't No Right," "Classic Girl," "Meija," and "Cursed Male" are all noticeably absent. Longtime fans will want Rev since it includes several hard-to-find tracks -- a 12" remix of "Been Caught Stealing," a few cover songs (the Grateful Dead's "Ripple," Lou Reed's "Satellite of Love," the Bernstein/Sondheim composition "Tonight"), and an original only previously available on the Private Parts soundtrack, "Hard Charger." Unfortunately, the two all-new Farrell solo tracks aren't as stellar as you'd expect. Always one to inject new musical forms and ideas into his sound, Farrell tackles electronic/drum'n'bass on the title track (which features restrained guest appearances by Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello and the Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante), as well as a vapid, totally deconstructed rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." While Rev serves its purpose as a decent introduction for newcomers, longtime fans will sense it could have been a whole lot better. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide