Peter Distefano - Gratitude (2004)

While most comebacks from mid-'90s alternative musicians are about as welcome as in-laws, Peter DiStefano makes a more than welcome return from a far too long absence. With no time wasted in reminding people who was the sonic architect behind Porno for Pyros' outstanding endeavors, Gratitude kicks in with DiStefano's instantly recognizable lush open chords and proficient wah-wah playing. The melodies are textbook Pornos derivatives, but this is by no means a complaint, as it was DiStefano's playing, much like Dave Navarro's before him, that took Perry Farrell's vocals to the stratosphere and back. Simple pop structures run amuck throughout the album's 37 minutes and the temptation to flaunt his guitar skills is met with great reserve and discipline, much to DiStefano's credit. The penned lyrics are confessionals, letting the listener in on the demons that he has fought over the past few years while he was gone (he battled and overcame both drug addiction and cancer during his time away from the spotlight) and show an artist reborn and ready to resume doing what he does best. A welcome return to form by someone whose absence was far too long in duration.