Pranav’s Nov. Music Corner: Red Hot Chili Peppers B-Side Reviews
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROLLINGSTONE.COM
In Aug. 2011, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released their tenth studio album, “I’m With You”, which saw the introduction of guitarist and backing vocalist Josh Klinghoffer into the band after the departure of John Frusciante.
The band has said on many occasions that they feel like a “new band” and since the change in line-up have been very prolific with their creative output. They released a free live EP from their “I’m With You” Tour in Europe earlier this year, as well as a cover EP of songs by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
Back in May it was announced that eighteen songs from the I’m With You sessions that did not make the album would also be released. Beginning in August, two songs at a time would be released every month, an a-side and a b-side, all produced by Rick Rubin. With the fourth of these issues released earlier this month, eight of the eighteen songs have now been revealed.
Many fans were initially disappointed in Klinghoffer’s guitar work on “I’m With You” and came to resent Frusciante’s departure even more.
Klinghoffer, however, reminded listeners why the Chili Peppers came to him in the first place in each song released so far from the album sessions. The soaring guitar solo in “Long Progression” and the riffs of “Strange Man”, as well as his melodic backing vocals in “Love of Your Life” all display Klinghoffer’s important contributions to the Chili Peppers’ sound.
In fact, all of the members have stepped up their games since the departure of Frusciante. Chad Smith has never sounded more confident behind the drum kit, with distinct percussion being a hallmark of each song. In addition, singer Anthony Kiedes has almost completely forgone his trademark rapping, choosing to croon eccentric vocal melodies instead.
Not to say it is a completely unfortunate trade-off; “Magpies on Fire” is one of the most beautiful Chili Pepper songs to date, with Kiedes’ vocal abilities showing a significant improvement from his earlier efforts.
What stands out the most of the band’s newer body of work is the variety they display. There has never been a Red Hot Chili Pepper song like “Hometown Gypsy”, where bassist Flea puts to use his newfound piano knowledge.
Meanwhile, “Victorian Machinery” displays a heavier side of the band reminiscent of “One Hot Minute”, their 1995 album featuring Dave Navarro as the guitarist.
Still, while musically the compositions are richer and more intricate, each release seems to be missing much of the fun of the Chili Pepper’s formula.
Their funk roots seem to diminish with passing time and there are not many songs from the “I’m With You” sessions that seem to capture the energy that the band is known for.
You probably won’t find yourself dancing along to “The Sunset Sleeps”, or singing along for that matter. The reason these songs probably did not make the album is because they don’t feel distinctly like the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The band’s music, including “I’m With You”, tends to have a sense of urgency that drives the songs; that is missing from these sessions, which is rather disappointing.
There are ten songs still in the vault from the sessions, the final pair releasing on April 5, 2013.
With each subsequent pair the excitement of the releases tends to lessen. “The Sunset Sleeps” and “Hometown Gypsy” do not evoke repeated listens like “By the Way” or “Tell Me Baby”, and are nowhere near as fun.
I retain hope that the next release on Nov. 29 will revive my enthusiasm; I need something to knock “Californication” out of my car’s CD player.
I have to say that I half agree with you. I think the band is surely stepping up their game as you said which is really nice to hear. I must admit that I was very uncertain of Josh after the initial release of “I’m With You” and subsequent listens to their live performances which seemed to be missing A LOT. Now as time goes on, their live performances continue to improve, or should I say Josh, continues to improve and come into the guitarist we all expected. His vocals are so unique and with his improved play of late, I think this band means it when they say they feel revived. Also, I think you should take some more listens to Sunset Sleeps. I absolutely love it and have replayed it over and over. They start working on their next album summer of 2013 and I wouldn’t be surprised if it is a smash hit. Remember Josh has never really focused on just playing the guitar until now, give it time. Good article though, I personally can’t wait to hear the other b-sides.