Toronto Sun Review of Ultra Payloaded

[Mike]

Sun, May 27, 2007

Party favour
You're invited to chill with Perry Farrell's new band and cool guests

By DARRYL STERDAN

Satellite Party

Ultra Payloaded

Rock

Sun Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5

Frankly, we never know what Perry Farrell is talking about.

Take Ultra Payloaded, the debut from the Jane's Addiction / Porno for Pyros frontman and his new band Satellite Party. Supposedly it's a concept CD about The Solutionists, a "brain trust of artistic visionaries, including writers, musicians, and environmentalists" trying to save the world by using arts as a catalyst for change. Or it's about people partying on a satellite.

Whatever. All we know is that if Perry's throwing the party, count us in. After all, he's got cool friends: The guest list here includes Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, Fergie, members of Red Hot Chili Peppers, New Order and Porno for Pyros -- oh, and Jim Morrison.

He's got great tunes: A set of funky dance-rock originals mixed and mashed with lyrics and melodies from pop oldies.

And if that hoo-hah about The Solutionists is any sign, he's got a medicine cabinet full of party favours.

Pop a few and get down to these cuts:

Wish Upon a Dog Star 4:44

"Get your groove on, new shiny shoes on," says Perry. And so he does, opening the festivities with an anthemic rocker featuring a chiming U2 guitar and a massive bass hook by Peter Hook.

Celebrate 3:49

Farrell upgrades Rare Earth's 1971 signature song with a punchier beat, wicked wah-wah guitars and new lyrics -- and the party is officially in full swing.

Hard Life Easy 4:13

Bassist Flea and guitarist John Frusciante from the Chili Peppers bring a dose of poppy Californication to this percolating, bouncy funk-popper.

Kinky 4:00

"It's my birthday, I'm in my birthday suit," quips Farrell over a hardworking groove fuelled by another mile-wide bassline and fierce guitars.

The Solutionists 4:23

As Perry howls about honesty being his virtue, Middle Eastern tabla, shimmery electronics and Philly soul strings dance to an irresistible hip-swivelling beat by Thievery Corp.

Mr. Sunshine 4:19

The downtempo vibe continues with low-impact pop, quavering disco strings and the "Good morning Mr. Sunshine, you brighten up my day" refrain from the Bee Gees' Lonely Days.

Awesome 4:25

An acoustic guitar. Some cinematic strings and horns. And a croony Morrisonian vocal. Hey, every party has a lull in the middle.

Insanity Rains 3:28

Perry gets his second wind as the band sprints through a double-time punkabilly riff, complete with twangy guitar licks. If you're looking for the edgiest cut, this is it.

Milky Ave. 4:27

The mood elevator goes back down on this mellow, pretty pop ditty built from glistening guitars and strings.

Ultra Payloaded Satellite Party 5:27

As the band works a serpentine belly dance groove, Perry gets his shaman on with trippy vocals, quoting The Doors' Touch Me to foreshadow ...

Woman in the Window 3:55

Farrell turns the microphone over to Lizard King Morrison, who intones a sing-songy tale over a lush trip-hop dreamscape -- and a Manzarek-style keyboard solo.

Rock

Sun Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5

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