MUSIC REVIEWS
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadia
Matt Jameson
Fresh out of rehab and ready for action, The Red Hot Chili Peppers are back with a smashing new double disc release. Fans and listeners alike take heart, this one is much different. The Peppers go back to their roots of sun infused rock and alternative all mixed with a festive measure of funk. In fact, this new release borders on the best work of the Peppers career. Anthony and Flea are back to their usual antics, but on these two discs guitarist John Frusciante really takes it up a notch. He even solos on a few tracks, something which long time fans certainly aren’t used to. The music has a catchy flair and flash that re-establishes the California-loving quartets smooth sunset swagger.
As a double disc release, the Peppers offer their fans a taste of many musical styles and hours of listening pleasure. It is the kind of album that asks, “Couldn’t you just call in sick today?” The release finds the group re-centered and tighter than ever. And as expected you can find at least one California reference for every two songs. But what isn’t expected is the amazing growth Kiedis had demonstrated as a vocalist. “I never claimed to have pipes”, he quips when asked about his impressive vocals on this new release. Even joking about his singing ability. But one undeniable fact is that his range, clarity, and tone have all improved and are very evidently demonstrated throughout the two discs.
For 90’s kids such as myself, this album is a return to what originally drew us back to the radio. The Peppers score a bull’s eye on this release, giving the fans what they hope for while providing a few great surprises along the way. Now firmly poised to re-monopolize radio, the Peppers stand taller than ever among the current crowd of so-called musical talent. Pick up this double disc and discover what long standing Pepper fans have known for decades. Wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper too?
