Release date: May 9, 2006
2 CDs - 28 tracks; 62:37, 59:57

There are almost two ways to review a Red Hot Chili Peppers CD - or any band that has had a long career.

You could review the CD as an independent piece of work, or you could compare it to the band's previous catalog.

For "Stadium Arcadium" - if you compare it to earlier works such as "Freaky Styley" or "Mother's Milk," the album is weak. It lacks the energy and funk of those earlier efforts.

If you compare it to "Californication" and other later works, it fits right in.

On it's own, the album is fantastic. It's well-crafted, well-written and stands on its own. It shows a mature version of the band that was once known for wearing nothing but socks on stage - and not on their feet.

"Stadium Arcadium" contains two discs and just over two hours of music on 28 tracks.

The first single "Dani California" isn't bad, but it does grow old after a while - probably because it's overplayed on the airwaves and television.

Skip past it, and the album simply cruises along - the funky "Charlie" and "Hump de Bump" to the mellow "Slow Cheetah."

You won't find a "Give It Away" or "Higher Ground" on this album, but you'll find some solid Chili Peppers music.

The more I listen to the albums, the more they grow on me and become more enjoyable. Both albums are pretty balanced between the funky and mellow.

I've been fighting the kinder, gentler Chili Peppers ever since the days of "Under the Bridge." I remember going to Lollapalooza the second year and watching people throw objects at the band and start mosh pits during that song to try and get the band to stop.

I guess in some ways, that was the beginning of the end for the hardcore funk of the band.

They've still got some edge to them, however.

Flea's bass playing and John Frusciante's guitar are still at their peak levels of performance.

Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at June 15, 2006 6:37 AM