The happy-go-lucky Red Hot Chili Peppers have never really been known for consistency, ambition or focus. Yet, unexpectedly, on its ninth outing, 23 years into its tumultuous career, the Californication band has somehow built the album of its career.
As its name suggests, "Stadium Arcadium" (Warner Bros.) is huge - a mammoth 28 songs, clocking in at more than two hours. It will be a huge hit as well, packed to the gills with songs that will be dominating rock radio for months - maybe years - to come. The first single, "Dani California," already tops the rock charts. However, any one of two dozen other songs could be just as successful.
Unlike most double albums, or most of the Peppers' previous albums, for that matter, "Stadium Arcadium" isn't bloated by filler or indulgences. It is hard-hitting from start to finish, a quantum leap forward - from Anthony Kiedis' new vocal subtleties and John Frusciante's fiery guitar solos to the more effective use of Flea's ever-stellar bass work and Chad Smith's muscular drumming. It's a surprise similar to Green Day's "American Idiot" (Warner Bros.) album, but without the unifying thread of the rock opera format or a "redneck agenda" to rage against.
On "Stadium Arcadium," the Peppers have no real agenda other than rocking out with the best songs possible. Stylistically, they offer no surprises - sticking with the straightforward, harmony-filled rock from "By the Way" (on the title track and "Tell Me Baby"), the raucous "Fight Like a Brave" p-funk they helped pioneer ("Storm in a Teacup") and the "Under the Bridge"-styled balladeering ("Slow Cheetah") that have given them past hits. The biggest surprise is how well they manage to pull all these styles together, with the production help of the great Rick Rubin, who keeps it all on track. It's thrilling to watch a band best known for adrenaline rushes such as "Give It Away" add a bit more artistry to its arsenal.
They throw classical guitar riffs into "Snow (Oh)." They play around with backing vocals on "Strip My Mind." Kiedis' clever lyrics make "21st Century" a funky hoot, while the irrepressible "Make You Feel Better" may be the band's cutest song ever. On "Hump de Bump" the muted horns bounce off Flea's monster bass grooves and Frusciante's scratch guitar.
In fact, it is Frusciante's guitarwork that propels "Stadium Arcadium" to new heights, on fiery solos, such as the Hendrixesque burner in "Wet Sand." By moving his riffs to the center of the band's sound, instead of Flea's bass, it allows the other Peppers, especially Flea, to flourish in a way they haven't.
"Stadium Arcadium" is the album the Red Hot Chili Pepper faithful have always believed possible - a more accomplished, more consistent companion to the band's previous high-water mark, "Blood Sugar Sex Magik," which Rubin helmed. Add the Peppers to the list of veterans - Neil Young, Pearl Jam, Green Day - who are releasing some of their best music. They prove you never know what surprises bands may be hiding up sleeves. Or in the Peppers' case, down tube socks. (Grade: A)
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Comments (11)
I loved Ange's interview asking anthony about how stoked he is watching Flea enjoy being a Father. My 6yr old, Luka, also loved the interview & now loves the RHCP as his most fav band!Considering his mum& dad met whilst playing in their respective 1990's rock bands & have bith loved RHCP since the beginning, we're mighty proud of him!!
Well done Ange for another top interview, you're the only one asking real, insightful non-bull, non-superficial questions as one music lover to another! Thanks!!
We tried to enter RHCP comp at the pickme@backstagepass etc but couldn't log on, can we enter via here? Ta
it would be a true honor an pleasure to meet you anthony.
~klaus
we're just sittin 'round listening to your mtv live performance and we noticed that flea and the drummer are related but we know the last names aren't the same? whats the deal?
I saw the RHCP 03-12-07 in OKC and they rocked. I was 5th row on the floor center stage. I was the only one down there dancing with glo sticks. I had an orange one and a green one. It was a blast and I would love to see them again and may go backstage next time.
sorry for bothering but since your pages' name is backstage passes, I wonder if you have a pic of backstage pass of the RHCP world tour 2006! I would really like to see it! If you'll have time (and of course if you have pass) could you please send the pic of it to my email address(kikapixie@yahoo.com)
TNX!!!
i woud be so honord to meet the evrebody from the band RED HOT CHILI PEPERS escelialy Antony when you come t europe i hote to meet you YOU ROCK
Hi my name is Michelle and me and my sister are big fans of yours and would love to khown when your next big concert is and if it will be in Los
Angeles, Califorina we love your music and we would like if Anthony K. could send us a poster of himself or a t-shirt and I would also like to know what tribe Anthony K. belongs to.And if hes married and if he has any children and would love to meet Anthony and the band maybe go backstage on your next big show.
P.S
you are the bomb! ANTHONY EMAIL me as soon as you can
thank you
a comment to the other commentors on this page: anthony may be frickin awesome but without flea would most probably not even be there let alone there be a red hot chili peppers at all. So i think that flea and chad and john all deserve some recognision aswell (not saying that anthony shouldn't). i love them all and there music is awesome and so unique thanks
-Esther TAS
I love RHCP!!! And Anthony don't ever get cut your hair!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi my name is Jelena and i am big fan of yours. Im from Serbia. You nearly had show in my contryand i want to thank you for that. i'm wery sory i could not go to the show my parents didn't let me go. i watch on tv interview of some people who been there ther prity furious becouse you played very short, one guy said that you were hes favourite group and that he is not going to listen your group one year :-)))
any way i want to say that i listen to your group almoust half year and i love you !!!!! and i would like to you write me yust to now that you get the message PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
PS.
YOUR THE GREATEST!!!!
it was a very good bok anthony