Haven't been here for years... all new and shiny these days.
Haven't been here for years... all new and shiny these days.
Member since:31.10.2000
Reviews:148
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The definition of eclectic is something that is composed of elements selected from a wide range of styles, ideas or sources. As such it is a word that is synonymous with Red Hot Chilli Pepper albums as they cover such a wide range of musical styles. Californication sees the return of John Frusciante to the groups line up, which is no bad thing as he was involved in the bands most successful album Blood Sugar Sex Magik which contained the magnificent Under The Bridge, recently covered by none other than All Saints.
I had not really considered buying the album when it came out but have been consistently impressed by the singles that have been released from it and decided it was about time to add it to my collection. Californication is definitely a return to form for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, an eclectic (had to say it) mix of rap metal, anthemesque rock and of course innovative pop. At the heart of most of the songs are the tremendous riffs and solos of Frusciante’s guitar underpinned by Flea’s powerful bass and Chad Smith’s drums. All this is complemented by Anthony Kiedis distinctive and melodious vocals and some imaginative lyrics.
The
album kicks off with Around the World, complete with funky bass line, rapped verses and a sweeping melody-rich chorus. It is a wonderful opener that gets the blood pumping and reminds you that Red Hot Chilli Peppers are no ordinary band. Also listen out for the later choruses where the lyrics descend into random noise. The second track, Parallel Universe, continues the fairly heavy theme in more of a classic rock track, energetic guitar, bassline on speed and banging drums with a tremendous refrain. It all ends with a trademark Frusciante solo.
The third track, Scar Tissue is one of the albums highlights and was the first single released. A slightly calmer affair with the lead guitars notes resonating through after the chorus. This track bares many of the hallmarks of Under The Bridge with the same sense of loneliness and pent-up sexual frustration alluded to in the lyrics. Otherside comes next and shares the same mood as Scar Tissue; it is another vocally driven effort and is further evidence of the group’s talented song writing. Rap metal is apparently what Get On Top is classified as, and for me it is disappointing after the quality of the first four songs.
Thankfully this is quickly rectified by the title track, Californication, which is another of the albums highlights, Kiedis voice is at its most effective, the melody is sublime and combines beautifully with the bass and drums. The lyrics are an intelligent analysis of the shallow nature of life in California, including reference to Courtney love apparently. ‘Pay your surgeon very well | To break the spell of aging | Celebrity skin is this your chin.’ The song also includes my favourite lyrics on the album.
‘Destruction leads a very rough road But it also breeds creation And earthquakes are to a girl’s guitar They’re just another vibration And tidal waves couldn’t save the world From Californication.’ Superb.
Easily comes next and kicks in with a great guitar riff before settling into a quality rock tune, concluding with the trademark guitar solo that I imagine makes it an amazing song to hear live. Next up is the contrasting Porcelain, a mellow affair with reminiscing lyrics of lost youth backed by a soft delicate keyboard melody. Emit Remmus and I Like Dirt come crashing in next with the high long guitar notes of the first proving a little too much for my tastes but the glorious almost jazzy bass line and excellent lead guitar solo in the second more than making up for this minor indiscretion.
This Velvet Glove is again a return to the slightly less frenetic and has a wonderful guitar riff and is followed by the Pearl Jam-esque Saviour, another classic rock number. Whilst I realise I’m rushing through these last few its just to get to the wonderful finale and due to the fact that many don’t have the same originality of the earlier songs. Purple Stain is next and bears many similarities to I Like Dirt with a big bass line dominating proceedings. The penultimate song is the short and slightly strange Right On Me with it’s rapped verse and chilled out chorus complete with 80’s sounding synthesizer.
The album’s ends with the magnificent Road Trippin’, it begins with the wonderful vocals supported by an intricate guitar melody and a great bass line. It’s not too long before a sweeping Chamberlain Organ joins in to add some depth to the sound. This final track has been described as ‘McCartney’s Blackbird as viewed through acidic trails’ and to be honest I can’t think of a better way of describing it. As the song fades you are left feeling like you’ve just been taken through a musical kaleidoscope such is the range of this album. Also you’ll probably reach for the play button.
So what the advice well whilst a few of the songs are, in my opinion a little weak, most of them are innovative and impressive and certainly justify buying the album. Admittedly it does seem like some of the songs in the second half of the album are simply there to fill space, none of them are bad songs however they are just shown up by the quality of many of the early songs. Red Hot Chilli Peppers are difficult to classify but if you’re a fan then you’ll love this. If you like songs with a pulse rather than some of the insipid dreary Indie efforts, then this is well worth a look.
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Good album but there are some weak links. Good review anyway! x
Lancashire_Angel 16.04.2004 18:41
Never heard that comparison before (Road Trippin' and Blackbird) but it does kinda make sense. You love all the songs I love. Scar Tissue is my favourite. Sharron xxx
Following a string of unsatisfactory replacements (including former Jane's Addiction alum ... more
Dave Navarro),Californication--the band's seventh album--saw them reunited with both errant guitarist John Frusciante (hauled out of a long and debilitating heroi...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Following a string of unsatisfactory replacements (including former Jane's Addiction alum ... more
Dave Navarro), Californication--the band's seventh album--saw them reunited with both errant guitarist John Frusciante (hauled out of a long and debilitating hero...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 7 to 13 days...
Following a string of unsatisfactory replacements (including former Jane's Addiction alum ... more
Dave Navarro), this album--the band's seventh--saw them reunited with both errant guitarist John Frusciante (hauled out of a long and debilitating heroin addictio...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Jun 1st, 2001
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