Josh Klinghoffer, whose name is just as obscure, is his replacement. The former guitarist for several acts (The Bicycle Theif, Gnarles Barkley, Butthole Surfers, Beck and many more) officially joined the band shortly after Frusciante quit to pursue a solo career, specifically his 10th highly anticipated album The Empyrean. Klinghoffer has been a big part of Fruciantes solo efforts in the past and also toured with the Chili Peppers for the Stadium Arcadium tour.
Now that you have a little history on the guy time for a my review. The first single from the new album I'm With You is called, deep breath, The Adventures of Raindance Maggie.
Okay, so it sounds like the Chili Peppers just different. It's missing something that I can't quite put my finger on. Hmm, oh I know what's missing - John Frusciante! I've been a fan of the Red hot Chili Peppers for a long time and I've gotten used to a few things: the soul of Frusciante's playing, his falsetto and just overall musical swagger.
The song doesn't completely suck. It just doesn't have anything highly appealing about it. The drums, vocals, bass line and guitar all sound nice together but I don't get the goosebumps and funky head bump I'm used to having when I hear a new Chili Peppers track.
Not to scrutinize Klinghoffer's creativity but when the song starts out it sounds like the guitar could go a hundred different places other than some fancy layering and resonating. Like come on. Who knows what it's like to step into one of the most successful rock bands of our era but playing it safe isn't what the Chili Peppers have ever been about. It sounds like someone made that decision during the recording of The Adventures of Raindance Maggie. What I miss most from Frusciante is the soul heavy solos. I didn't appreciate the grungy delayed scratchings of a solo in this song. Although many of his fills were spot on as a whole this song doesn't validate Klinghoffer. Doesn't count him out either.
I'm waiting to hear the rest of the album set for release Aug. 30 before I say anything else about it. I just hope this is just a faze for Frusciante. His improvisational style and keen musical spirit is what defined the Chili Peppers for a long time. I hope the rest of the album lives up to what we're used to.
Oh, and John, do the solo thing than get your head out of your ass and get back to the Chilis. Do the right thing.
Hurts me to say it but the song is STALE.
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