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