Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You

The highly anticipated I'm With You hits record stores yesterday, as well as your favourite torrent sites.

For those who read my review of the single The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie the Chili's new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer has replaced John Frusciante. After hearing the single I was a little hard on Klinghoffer. I hold the Red Hot Chili Peppers on a pedestal and maybe a little to close to my heart. Klinghoffer has done a good job. Not to say I don't miss the things that Frusciante gave the band but Klinghoffer doesn't take anything away from the well seasoned Red Hot Chili Peppers. He brings a different perspective to the band with the different guitar effects and stellar piano.

Initial thoughts:
- Sounds like the Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Head bob and upper body shuffle
- Like drinking neocitran through your ears (mmm)

I'm With You couldn't be a more appropriate name. The sound of this album doesn't make you want to bounce up and kick down your front door, but close your eyes and feel a pair of musical arms come around and hold you softly. Not too tight.

There's some interesting elements to this album. I know I keep talking about him, but Klinghoffer's vocals add a completely alien sound. Meet Me At The Corner and Did I Let You Know has a part just for him. He has more of an indy sound to his voice that doesn't quite fit.

BUT

Just happens to have a really nice falsetto that may not quite par with Fruciante it comes pretty damn close. I'm sold on Kilnghoffer if you haven't noticed.

Back to the interesting elements...piano! And Flea's stellar trumpet playing on Did I Let You Know. The piano slapping at the beginning of Happiness Loves Company is reminiscent of my boy Elton. I don't think I could ever get sick of rock and roll piano. The breakdown in Police Station has a calm resonating piano bit that adds a little backrub to the soft hug. Piano is a new prominent Chili Peppers thing. I love it. Even You Brutus? is another with some solid keys.

I love my acoustic guitar so naturally my favourite song off this album is Brendan's Death Song. It's a beautiful tribute to Brendan Mullen. A nightclub owner that helped get the Chili Peppers and many other bands in the LA punk scene a start. I hope when I die someone writes a song like this about me. "Like I said you know I'm almost dead, you know I'm almost gone.." is going to be ringing in my head for the rest of the day.

To be honest, I was not expecting much from this album. The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie wasn't the best single to debut an album like this. This album has better songs that better represent the overall sound of the album and are just plain better. Factory Of Faith if I can suggest one.

I did miss the soul stabbing guitar solos of Frusciante and when they come to town I'm going to miss not having him up there.

As far as the band is concerned they should have none. Anthony Kiedis will never lose it. Flea will always kill it for as long as he's breathing. Chad Smith is one of the greatest/most underrated drummers in music. Klinghoffer fits among these heavy hitters and has proven it on I'm With You.


DIG IT!