By Easily one of my top 5. Without a doubt. No question about it. This band has rocked my world since the day I was born and has been the soundtrack to my life for many years! The City of Angels legends (Los Angeles) Red Hot Chili Peppers are this weeks classic. And Yes, I use the word classic in the fullest of its meaning because believe it or not, The Chili’s have been together for 32 years!
You can never really pinpoint the bands style throughout the years. It’s been as funky as can be with those whacked out basslines from legendary bassist Flea, the psychedelic-ist of guitar playing from John Klinghoffer (circa 2009) wicked beats from superb Chad Smith and last but not least, the unique front-man stylings of Anthony Kiedis; ultimately creating an intoxicating new musical style of funk and punk rock.
Not many rock bands broke through the 80’s barrier, but thanks to changes in the membership of the band, the Chilli’s were packed and ready for the 90’s, instantly gaining worldwide recognition after the release of their first album ‘Mothers Milk’, which saw the band cover the infamous Stevie Wonders ‘Higher Ground’.
What cemented RCHP’s successful career for many years to come? ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magic’ (September 1991), a more stripped down and different style of album for the band which saw them crack out some of the greatest hits we still recognise to this day such as; ‘Give it Away’ and the groups first top ten ‘Under the Bridge’.
The bands next biggest album would arrive in the midst of the millennium. The well-crafted and quite frankly gorgeous album ‘Californication’ dropped. again, creating an abundance of more hits including ‘Scar Tissue’, ‘Otherside’ and the album titled ‘Californication’. This album was really the cement on top of an already successful expression of their incredibly unique style. An album has to have a journey, just like a rollercoaster. You nail the highs and lows and you have a masterpiece. The Chilli’s nailed this perfectly. The contrast in songs from loud rock to chilled chili is what RCHP are all about!
After touring for a few years with Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters. RCHP returned to the studio with Warner Bros and banged out yet another hit making album. ‘By The Way’, released 2002 saw the band showcasing the early noughties RCHP that broke the mainstream with ‘The Zephyr Song’, all time fan favorite ‘Can’t Stop’ and ‘Universally Speaking’. Being able to survive and adapt through three separate decades of musical change is what has solidified the bands legacy in the eyes of the rock community.
Four years ahead of time, The band returned for their modern day masterpiece ‘Stadium Arcadium’ featuring ‘Dani California’, ‘Snow (Hey Oh)’, the beautiful ‘Strip my Mind’ and ‘Especially in Michigan’. The album was critically praised for integrating musical styles from several aspects of the band’s career. The album gained the band seven Grammy Award nominations in 2007 including an award for Best Rock Album and one for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package. Winning 5 out of 7 Grammy Awards, it was the most nominations that the band had garnered in their 28-year career.
After selling 80 million records worldwide, it’s no surprise the band were inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2012. Excitingly, the group are back in the studio recording a brand new album with the hopes of solidifying their already unbelievable career. Can you tell I’m a bit of a superfan?
