(Previously a blurb but edited to a full review)
I’ve been a big fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers (RHCP) after buying Californiacation when I was nine, and ever since they have successfully hooked me on their sound. But through Sputnik I have found out about albums that I didn’t know where released, and after investing in them has only strengthen my addiction with the funky monks. Also thorough Sputnik like many I uncovered news of their forthcoming release, Stadium Arcadium. Like many I was shocked at the news their could be possibly three discs worth of music, but just as impressed with the finalised idea of a double disc release. So with bated breath I waited, because with the RHCP comes diversity and change. Defining them as one genre is very difficult as they have the ability to change their sound, proving this with a change from Californication to By the Way, and so I was not sure what to expect from this album. Finally on it release I went straight out and brought it, and jammed it right into my disk tray and listed on… On with the review then.
My first impression was of the wealth of material that is present on the album. Not only is there two discs of 14 tracks to chose from, but each track exceeds at least three and a half minutes. This had two effects on me at first. One: heavens this should keep me interested for a while, listening to all this should keep it fresh instead of listening to an album over and over again and getting bored after playing it to death. Two: perhaps there’s too much to swallow here, have the band bitten of more than they can chew, or have I as well. With its length I thought I wouldn’t be able to connect with songs after repeated listens, and by listening to them after long spells over the two discs I would easily forget about some songs. But the later was not the case luckily, and with each track I managed to connect with each track well and find something to enjoy as each track moved on.
My next query was about the quality of the quantity. Did this vast amount of music show how much the RHCP had been working, and how well they worked to pull out tunes in a vast number like this. Or, would it be very lacking in quality and repetitive tracks throughout. Again it was the more positive of the two choices providing something different as the tracks rolled on giving me something different to think about every time it ticked over.
So what of the music? After seeing the rocking side and the funk side of the band in past records, it seems to be able to combine the two styles on this album in a much clearer and obvious way than previously tried. Yet no single track can be described as either one of these two solely, as some songs combine both elements so well. Tracks like Tells me baby and 21st Century for example show this so well and the RHCP manage to pull it of almost flawlessly. The bands instrumental qualities are again on show case on this album like many others that they have recorded, and fail to disappoint. Geetar wise John is again utterly fabulous producing funkadelick riffs, side slitting solos on tracks like Readymade, and making each song that little bit better with his compositions skills. With some parts on the album reminiscing BSSM days and recent times, it gives us a clear sign of John’s talent, and how accessible it is to listen to for anybody. Next on the list is flea. Ahh, Flea, one of my favourite bass players and once again showing his class for all to hear. King of the funky bass lines is excellent on many tracks, playing intros to a few songs that really gets the songs going and sounding well. Its Flea, need I say any more? Drumming wise Chad drives the album on with very listenable grooves that you won’t be able to help but stand up and take notice! Chad’s drumming throughout his RHCP career has been great providing the beats for band and doing a bang up job from what’s on offer here. Finally the front man, the spokesperson of the band, Anthony. What can I say the, man has it all. Wonderful voice, not the range of some singers out there, but still makes it very listenable from any perspective. He can rap, or what sounds like it, which gives certain songs like Storm in a Teacup for instance that added funktasticness to it. Lyrically he can write some pretty damn good lyrics here to, yet with a laid back, not so serious style of lyric that many of you guys out there are used to, and on Stadium Arcadium are as strong as ever.
So in short folks:
Pros:
Funky and rocking
Great solos
Smashing bass lines
Moneys worth for all them tracks!
Cons:
Hard to get into for a casual listener, or those not used to a double disc release.
This truly is a fantastic album and worth every penny you spend. It’ll get your toes tapping, head bobbing and fingers clicking, just easy to listen to album. Whether you’re a die hard RHCP fan or just interested in getting into them, this is a buy for you!
4.5/5
