Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You - Album Review

3:09 am Angie 0 Comments

 Red Hot Chili Peppers are a psychedelic, funk rock band, first formed in 1983 in California, Los
Angeles when attending Fairfax High School. They were originally formed by Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Michael ‘Flea’ Bulzary (bass), Jack Irons (drummer), and Hillel Slovak (guitar), who was a close, long-term friend of Kiedis and Flea. He later died of Heroin overdose which sparked a new found sense of reformation in Kiedis. The band has had a lot of struggles in terms of battling drug addictions and fame, however, with the release of ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’ (1991), the world had realised what they had been missing and finally wanted in on the world of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Over the years, guitarists have come and gone. One of the most memorable and most possibly influential guitarists who has recently left the band (it was made official in 2009), was John Frusciante. Recently made No. 72 in the Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarist list, it could be argued that he gave the Chili’s their definitive sound. However, although Frusciante left the band in previous years for negative reasons, this time, he left on a positive note of developing his solo career, and the band respected that. Frusciante’s replacement, Josh Klinghoffer was introduced to the public in January of 2010 when the band performed for the first time with the new line up at the MusiCares event in the same year. After taking a hiatus of about three years, the Chili’s finally announced their comeback to the world, and after hitting the studio and creating up to 70 songs (though most were just experimental and were not actually featured on the album), they released their brand new album – I’m With You in August 2011.

The album artwork for this album was created by Damien Hirst and as you can see to your right, the cover is of a fly on a pill saying ‘I’m With You’. The artwork itself can be interpreted in many ways, and I believe that the meaning of this artwork is that that pill, which symbolises the disgust of drugs and drug abuse, is highlighted by the fact that an insect that is considered disgusting (the fly) is sat on this pill. The work in general stresses the degrading nature of drugs; Kiedis himself stated that this album has more of a positive theme as opposed to their previous albums. Nonetheless, there is a slight ambiguity in the art as the title I'm With You, suggesting that narcotics offer a supportive nature and lead the audience to question whether the band have actually turned a new leaf.

The album marks a shift in the band's sound as is it the first to feature Klinghoffer, and it is when we see his true skills as a guitarist - songs such as Monarchy of Roses and Dance, Dance, Dance feature great guitar riffs, both memorable and catchy in their own way. Earlier this year, Flea studied music at University level, and developed his passion for the piano – this new found talent and passion can be heard immediately. Happiness Loves Company is an example of Flea’s great skills as a pianist and musician and it gives the Chili’s a style that they’ve never had before. Even Kiedis is on form in this album; his lyrics have a level of meaning and emotion that left me shocked how he had never wrote like this before. Police Station is a great example of Kiedis’ new lyricism and yes, I am saying this, but it just might be the new Under the Bridge. I personally love this album; it is full of great melodies and riffs that cannot instantly be identified as the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

They have proven to be on form once again, and with Klinghoffer, they have much more of a refined and somewhat mellow tone. Could it be that the Chili’s have toned down the funk? Maybe, but it could mean that their music is now better than ever? (Comment if you disagree!)

However, and there is one big however - The album seems to be lacking something; there’s some sort of void. Frusciante was the driving force that gave the Red Hot Chili Peppers their amazing sound and some of their biggest hits, and since that force is gone, it doesn’t really seem the same. There is no potential hit song in this album, they all seem to be songs that have potential, but are not quite there yet. As much as I love this album, I don’t believe that it was worth fans waiting almost five years for. For that reason, I am giving this album, 4/5 stars!

Music Bloggery Recommends: 'Factory of Faith', 'Dance Dance Dance', 'Happiness Loves Company', 'Annie Wants A Baby', 'Did I Let You Know?', 'Look Around', 'Police Station'

Coldplay - MYLO XYLOTO - Album Review! {♰}

3:49 am Angie 0 Comments

Coldplay are a Grammy award winning British indie band, forming in University College London by
lead guitarist Jonny Buckland and frontman Chris Martin in 1996. The band introduced themselves to the world with the release of their debut album 'Parachutes' (2000). It was in this album that they then released the song that would make them one of the most popular bands in the world - 'Yellow'.

Their new album however, Mylo Xyloto (pronounced my-low zye-low-toe) is anything far from yellow. Its colourful album art summarises the whole theme and tone of the album itself. Songs like 'Don't Let It Break Your Heart' and 'Hurts Like Heaven' feature beautiful melodies and hooks that are synonymous of Coldplay. Part of the reason I personally love this album is because a new story is unraveled for each new song. Chris Martin explained how he and the band wanted a more cheerful theme on this album, and despite a few exceptions, this is completely true. 'Up In Flames' is the only exception to this, and I believe that it just might be the new 'The Scientist'. The song has an extremely simplistic harmony yet it works ever so well, especially when combined with Martin's reassuring, calming voice.

My undeniable favourite song on this album HAS to be 'Paradise'. After listening to it just once, you're  hooked and you want more. The chorus is incredibly catchy, and the background harmonies have you reaching for the play button once again. Another reason why this song is my personal favourite is because of the deep meaning - it can be interpreted in so many ways, and it's such a beautiful meaning. 'When she was just a girl, she expected the world, but it flew away from her reach, so she ran away in her sleep, and dreamed of para-para-paradise.' Like I said before, a new story is unraveled, and it's done in such a beautiful way. Mat Whitecross, the director of the 'Paradise' music video has created such a great concept and idea and constructed it so well. It is definitely a must watch! (See link below)

Now I know some of you may dislike Coldplay because they're TOO 'middle class' (by the term middle class, I mean they can come across quite posh, rich and snobby to some) and uppity since Martin married Paltrow, but haven't they always been middle class? If you watch the music video for 'Yellow' you'll see they are quite middle class, although they don't show it immediately. Many people hate Martin for his donations to society and helping the less fortunate as they see it as his way of being pretentious, but if you look deeper, you'll realise that Martin is so humble and genuinely helping the less fortunate. If a person is doing a good deed, why should they be judged for it?

Coming back from my tangent, although I may seem as if I worship this album, I do not. The reason I have awarded this album only 4/5 musicos is because it lacks something for me. There is some sort of void that is not being filled. Their previous 2008 release, 'Viva La Vida and Death To All His Friends' was a truly amazing album, which seemed to have perfected and mastered all aspects of music. Mylo Xyloto however, seems to lack the Coldplay touch whatever 'it' is. It seems somewhat of an experimental album. Of course, that is no crime, but if you're leaving your fans waiting for the best part of 3 years, you should give them a little more worth waiting for. Songs such as 'Princess of China' are good, but the fact that they've featured Rhianna in the song speaks for itself. They're not content with having their worldwide indie fanbase and being one of the most popular bands in the world, they want to get even more of a mainstream fanbase. Yes, Coldplay have always been mainstream, but they weren't trying to be - the masses just loved their music! Now, it seems almost as if they know they are and don't really care. Correct me if I'm wrong  - feel free to leave a comment.

If you're a new Coldplay-er I recommend listening to 'The Scientist', 'Viva La Vida', 'Yellow' and 'Fix You'.

Angeli recommends: 'Paradise', 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall', 'Hurts Like Heaven', 'Up In Flames', 'Don't Let It Break Your Heart'

The Drums - PORTAMENTO - Album Review! {⋆}

4:06 am Angie 1 Comments

Portamento is The Drums' first studio album after the release of self-titled debut album 'The Drums' (2010). No doubt that Portamento is completely different to that of their first release. The album begins with the catchy song, 'Book of Revelations' and the rhythmic bass and the background harmonies are toe-tappingly addictive. As you delve deeper within the album, the theme seems to be one of self-loathing and cynicism. Other critics seem to despise the fact that The Drums have such a downbeat theme when they were expecting 60's style peace and love in this album. Personally, I think these critics are completely wrong. Some artists find contentment in morbidity and they find inspiration in it, so what's wrong in doing so?

The album itself is filled with a lot more memorable hooks and choruses, especially 'Money', one of the first singles released from the album. And what a good decision it was! Although the rest of the album becomes dreary and repetitive,  'Money' stands out from the crowd. It's great guitar and bass melody re-enforce the Morrissey-like vocals of frontman Jonathan Pierce. Another great breakthrough song from the album is 'I Need a Doctor'. The great uplifting, bouncy melody and lyrics give a great sense of a decent into madness and simply re-enforces once again the meaning of the whole song.