Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium
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Free Music Notes for Stadium Arcadium
Free Music Review: Stadium Arcadium
Hit: 5 Stars
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of my favorite rock bands ever and are certainly one of the most inspirational. But I never listened to their music until CALIFORNICATION arrived. John Frusciante had just gotten back on the band but I did not know that before. I proceeded to work backwards and found BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK and ONE HOT MINUTE. Hearing those two albums made me see a whole new side to the band that I have previously missed. I saw a new era, felt a new feel and witnessed a new manifesto. Over time, these two albums, along with CALIFORNICATION, became my favorite records.
Add STADIUM ARCADIUM to the list. This double album follows up the disappointing BY THE WAY, which I felt to be underwhelming, and looks to follow it.
But hearing it once through, I found it to be vastly better. The songs felt fresher and the melodies were strong and consistent throughout, which wasn't the case with BY THE WAY. From the vibrant, Hendrix-inspired DANI CALIFORNIA to the softer, downbeat song DEATH OF A MARTIAN, the underlying intensity of the band never let up. There were a good variety of tempos but there was a consistent polish and feel to the songs, making this a much superior album as a whole. This showed that the band didn't just mail it in; they put their whole heart in this time.
This album also felt substantial. Two discs of 14 songs each, there was never any doubt as to the quantity this album brings. This is a first for the band, having never released a double album before. Add the fact that all these songs, even the latter ones, are all good; the fans are in for a treat. STADIUM ARCADIUM doesn't feel draggy or long at all; the sequence of the songs varies well from the up-tempo tracks to the slow ones.
John Frusciante's guitar prowess sounds like it has reached a new height here. Long-time fans, especially those who loved BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK, will know how far his skill has seen a tremendous rate of improvement over the years. Here, his solos sound more complex and fuller than in previous albums, including CALIFORNICATION, while still retaining much of the emotion and virtuosity of his play. It is his tunes that drive the melodies forward, giving the album an energy and personality few other albums in the industry attain. STADIUM ARCADIUM has a very spacey theme to it and it is John's selection of scales and notes that have helped achieve that effect.
Anthony's vocals here have also reached a new height as well. One could easily hear the expansion of his range in all of the songs. He does a terrific job producing a hip-hop style for HUMP DE BUMP and an equally sublime job on the futuristic STADIUM ARCADIUM. There is power in his voice and this lends a central soul to the music.
Flea's bass has always given their albums a crucial foundation to that soul and his masterful sequences here are no exception. He has always accompanied well with John's guitar and here it takes a whole new form and maturity. Just when you thought they couldn't have thumped their previous efforts they did it here.
The beat that has been constant throughout much of their music remains to be Chad's. He doesn't tamper much with the formula that has been a trademark for much of his career. He doesn't have outrageous drum solos nor does he have the most complex of rhythms but his laid back, yet consistent, style has contributed to the catchiness of the songs.
Together, they have created something that's catchy and colorful, a bumper album with an appropriately given intergalactic theme. If you are into funk rock, you will find lots to tide you over here. In terms of sustained quality, production values, storytelling lyricism and invention, this album certainly ranks up there with my favorite rock albums of the decade and one of my favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers' albums of all time.
Free Music Review: Who Doesn't Like It?
Hit: 5 Stars
After 4 years off, one of my all time favorite rock bands is back again, and this time they deliver a 28 song double album. A gamble one could think at first thought cause double Albums are always difficult to sell (Not only the cost more) but they also have too many songs to memorize and you always end up skipping a few. While recording a double you either release a coherant album that goes back to the roots like the Rolling Stones's "Exile on Main Street" or you record a diverse exprimental like the Beatles "White Album", But the Peppers do neither, "Stadium Arcadium" looks like a mix of old and new. Some good ol' Funk-Rock that once was their trademark, some obvious rockers and a fair share of midtempo's and ballads aswell. Far from revolutional considering that they don't take any risks but they record what they are best at and needless too say "Stadium Arcadium" will make most fans satisfied and if you're new to the band it's defenitely worth the time aswell, if you don't like a certain kind of song there enough diversity here to make you content aswell. For those that say it's their best ever, No way! But In my honest oppinion, they have never done one bad album. I've loved every album since they went mainstream with "Mother's Milk".
At first listen it's difficult to guess which songs that could be upcoming single releases and potential hits, other then the great rocker "Dani California" that already is a hit, I didn't know which one that was coming next cause most songs are pretty damn good here. At second listen, I had found plenty of potential singles that I had to put on repeat. "Charlie" is a great midtempo, the title track is brilliant, especially the bluesy guitar solo that appears on it, thanks John!. "Hump the Bump" silly title but good ol' funk-rock that could have been from "Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik", ditto with "Warlocks" and "Tell Me Baby" that takes the price. "She's Only 18" may not be a hit single but you got to love the retro feeling with the blues-guitar sound, same with "Strip My MInd" Magic Stuff!. "Torture Me" is a heavy rocker that sounds fammiliar to recent peppers songs and is defenitely one of the best here. "Especially in Michigan" is really fresh, a midtempo trademark. "C'mon Girl" is very poppy, the sounds reminds me of early No Doubt, Great stuff too. "Hey" and "If" are jus good ballads and "Desecration Smile" a great rocky midtempo. My favorite song however is "Hard to Concentrate" it's a melancholy midtempo with great riffs and melody. "Readymade" stands as one of the heaviest rockers with great bass from Flea and guitar solo from John. No hitwarning but great stuff. The funky "Storm in a Teacup" is yet another great colaboration between Anthony, Flea, John and Chad. The songs I didn't mention are all good but with 28 songs on one album it's difficult to say something about all.
Overall, A really good album from the Peppers once again. Their first double album is a success to me. Sure, some critics say that it's too diverse and they don't take major risks with new unproven ideas, but why should they?. Their very personal and unique sound has been working for over 15 years, there is no need to change it completely. Instead they make a album with a mix of styles that obviously sound fammiliar but at the same time is what most fans want to hear. If you don't like the funk, you got the heavy rockers, if you don't like that, you have the more mainstream sounding midtempo's and if that isn't enough you can go for the ballads. It may be messy since the songs don't follow the same path, but there is plenty of good songs for everyone here and "Stadium Arcadium" for an old time fan like me, is defenitely a great Peppers album. Recommended.
Free Music Review: Breakthrough of the First Disc
Hit: 5 Stars
Firstly, I have been a huge fan since the beginning of the Chilli Peppers, and I have witnessed their change. Before they used to put socks on their privates and dance around. They then went into a little more mellow music and then with the release of Californication, introduced the newest Red Hot Chilli Peppers the subtle band, willing to make good music. People are criticizng this album because its not like the others, but if you think of it, it is. Its a great album. Heres the break through
#1: Dani California (7.0/10) - This song starts out with a driving drum part and from there on it provides the listener with some ear-candy. However, definately not the best work on the first cd.
#2: Snow (9.5/10)- This song quickly puts to rest all disuptes about the RHCP's new album. The guitar seemlessly meets the ears, and for a second you feel like your in music heaven. The intro guitar riff is matched with Keidis' great vocals. This song is worth the whole first cd.
#3: Charlie (8.5/10) - This song starts out with a almost horrible beggining. The funkiness is appreciated, but the sound of Flea's bass in the beggining doesnt seem to match the mood that Snow ended on. When the verse starts slowly the song gets to you, but its the chorus which makes the song amazing. With almost orgasmic beauty, the chorus makes up for the deficiencies of the song. The guitar leads up and then BAM!. Nice riffs by Frusciante, overall good song. The funkyness works after one gets used to it.
#4: Stadium Arcadium (8.0/10) - This song is pleasant to listen to, and may have some whistling. Its not a bad song, but lacks the star quality that Snow and Charlie bring.
#5: Hump De Bump (6.5/10) - One of the weaker tracks on the cd in my opinion. It's a great individual track, and again the funk works, but it doesn't fit the mood. However don't be surprised if its ringing in your head later.
#6: She's only 18 (6.0/10) - Keidis' vocals are sub par mediocre, not a great track, but some may like it. Not much to say about it.
#7: Slow Cheetah (9.0/10) - This song is phenomenal. The acoustic set may raise some eyebrows for previous Chilli Pepper fans, but soon Keidis' vocals make up for the change. Simply stunning, definately the chorus. Nice ending as well. Great Track.
#8: Torture Me (7.0/10) - Nice Song, again not much to real comment on. Pretty Normal.
#9: Strip My Mind (8.5/10) - Great Song. The beginning is pretty boring, but the lyrics are pretty nice. Also it has a catchy little tune. It may not connect to some, but for me I enjoyed it.
#10: Especially in Michigan (10/10) - The best song on the first side, this song gets off on the right start, and from there it simply takes people's breath away. Even though it's loud, keep listening, the chorus is simply amazing. Make sure to listen to this.
#11: Warlocks (8/10) - This is a nice song, keeps to the whole idea that the chilli peppers rock. Another strong song.
#12: C'mon Girl (8.5/10) - Being a bassist, I was willing to give this song a 10 just because of its begginning, however I didn't really like the chorus much. Still great.
#13: Wet Sand (7.5/10)- Sweet Song
#14: Hey (7.5/10) - Another good song to finish off the cd.
Altogether, the album features in my opinion four great songs: snow, charlie, slow cheetah, especialy in michigan, the latter being the best. however, its music ranges, so others songs may appeal. Its worth the buy definately considering that this ablum could be the greatest hits compilation for any other band.
Free Music Review: a gem
Hit: 5 Stars
It unfolds like a great book...song after song like pages in a non-stop thrill ride. What you have just listened to is Stadium Arcadium by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and what you have just witnessed is music history in the making. True, the Chili Peppers have never been THAT band. They've never been the envy of the music industry. They've never been the band that would set the mark for the pinnacle of musical genius. At the start of their excursion through a world of fusion between rock and funk, so underrated in today's musical culture, they were drowned out by bands starting their own revolution known today as grunge. In a world where Cobain was king, and grunge his kingdom, not many people noticed other bands that were making their own startling contributions to rock music. Bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers who in 1991 created Blood Sugar Sex Magik, a modern day masterpiece by itself. As BSSM got the Chili Peppers a recognizable voice in the world of rock music, it will be the same with Stadium Arcadium re-establishing that voice as a tour de force in it as well. Instead of going against grunge, today the Chilis are going against something far more overbearing: The Death of Rock and Roll. Things change quickly in today's society. Who would have thought back in the 1970's that thirty years later the biggest act on the map would be a "hip hop" artist named Kanye West. Who would have thought that bands who were powerhouses: ACDC, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, would be virtually non-existant today. It may be karma, but it seems as if the Chilis have put their foot down. Like the Beatles and Nirvana before them, they are saying "F*ck this, lets make some music!"
And they DID make music. Music that will bring to life the spirits of acts that have long since passed. Music that may harness a little bit of Floydian psychedelia and ACDC attitude. The opening beats of Dani California suggest just that. From song to song the Chilis seem to be taking their sweet-ass time telling the world that rock still lives. And they do a pretty damn good job. Gone are the days of Chili Pepper, tube socked, rave party, drug enhanced stupor that made them such an "entertaining" act back in the 80s and 90s. In their place? Do words describe what is in their place? Simply listen to the opening guitar of Snow (Hey Oh) and you tell me whats in their place now. Mature, grown up, music artists fill the speakers with a tasteful rock that even the stingiest of rock collectors will take as a promising step forward. Did you ever think that people would be calling Flea a mature, grown up, musical artist?! That day has come and it is all the more deserving. Flea shines bright on this two disc plethora, as does his bandmates. John Frusciante, who digs into his guitar and pours out his soul deeper on this record than ever has in the Chili's previous endeavors. Chad Smith, whos quick, up-tempo, ringing drumming provides the backbone for the entire album. And of course there's Anthony Kiedis who proves himself as one of the most versatile, and lyrical frontmen and songwriters in the history of rock n' roll. You dont need to take my word on this one to realize how, not only incredible this album is, but also how important it is for rock music. Listen to just one song. You tell me if its not better than anything out there today. People dont realize how big the Chili Peppers have struck on this one. Perhaps the band itself doesnt even know. The bottom line is that the world is a big place and very difficult to conquer. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are taking it one monstrous album at a time.
Free Music Review: These guys want to be taken seriously, lets do it, they deserve it
Hit: 5 Stars
okay, i was skimming through the reviews and noticed people complaining about how this album is bad, or isnt like other red hot chili pepper albums. in my opinion almost every track on here has a counter part featured on a previous chili peppers album. im not saying the songs sound exactly like other songs, but this collection of songs is more of a view of the peppers career as a whole.
*= personal favorites ( i know theres alot of them )
Dani California- 8/10 after extensive radio play this song has burned out somewhat for me, but overall good song, great chorus
*Snow ((Hey Oh))- 9/10 this song is mellow and features some great guitar work, a standout track on Jupiter
*Charlie - 8/10 the lyrics are somewhat mindless, but it's got some great hooks and it brings back some classic peppers funk
Stadium Arcadium - 9/10 the californication of the first disc, great slow tune
*Hump De Bump - 9/10 another standout track, im liking the funk thrown in this record, conisdering By the Way was lacking in this area.
*She's Only 18- 8/10 this song instantly clicked with me, while not perfect its got a good feel to it, and some nice solo work
Slow Cheetah- 7/10 this song is a bit long and slow, its doesnt mix well with the disc, its about out of place if you ask me, not too bad
*Tortue Me - 9/10 picks the pace back up, features some nice trumpet work, overall a pretty rockin song
*Strip My Mind - 9/10 i love the feel of this song, its a nice mellow rock song, features some excellent vocals
*Especially In Michigan- 9/10 this is a great song, and one you'll be wanting to come back to
*Warlocks -9/10 one word "Rockapotomus"
C'mon Girl- 8/10 alot of this album depends on the style of chili peppers you like, if you like it all ( like me) the better. but this is another slower somewhat funky song
*Wet Sand- 8/10 a tad bit long, but its a great song nonetheless (notice the last minute or so is almost identical to John F's solo album To Record Water for Ten Days' 'Murderer')
Hey- 7/10 i dont really know about this song. i think it needs some time to grow
Overall i'd say the 1st disc is full of hits and things new and old pepper fans can appreciate. its not too slow like many people claim.
I havent had time to listen to 2nd disc as much, and i wouldnt be doing it any justice if i fully reviewed it so heres a mini review :
Mars- overall 8/10 it's got its standout tracks Tell Me Baby, 21st Century, Readymade, Storm In A Teacup just to name a few and a personal top track for me is Desecration Smile. this disc is definately faster, but also features more experimental material, so alot of this stuff is new for even long time fans. theres never a "been there done that" feel on this disc.
I would say after a few listens through theres no standout tracks that scream "single", but maybe thats because all the songs are good. if you havent ever picked up a RHCP album its a good time to start, i might not suggest this to be the first but definately conisder picking this up. To fans,(like myself) this contains ALOT of stuff so theres a little something for everybody. i might also mention nearly every song features a John F solo somewhere (which is a good thing, as many of them are downright incredible in todays world of commercial pop-rap)
hopefully this is helpful
until the next RHCP album, ~peace out~