Album Review: Red Hot Chili Peppers ‘I’m With You’
It would be nice to discuss this album as if John Frusciante had never left. However, to do so proves impossible. We can safely assume that the majority of the reviews on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 10th studio release, I’m With You, will focus on the absence of that essential melodic layer that helped to evolve their sound over their storied 28-year career. I do not view this release as the dawn of John. Instead, I would like to consider I’m With You another step forward in the evolution of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Replacement Josh Klinghoffer grew up in the same scene as the Chili Peppers. His band The Bicycle Thief opened up for RHCP in 2000, during their Californication tour. Klinghoffer began collaborating with Frusciante shortly thereafter and the stage was set. Much like Frusciante, Klinghoffer is a musician that spreads his work across a variety of projects. He fronts the instrumental project Dot Hacker and even drummed on new indie buzz band Warpaint’s 2010 release The Fool. With roots in the LA music scene and an obsessive dedication to his own musical tastes, Klinghoffer proves the ideal Frusciante substitute.
With Frusciante or without, I was hungry for another opportunity to hear the band, and I find the results encouraging. Aside from the greatness of the Core Three, Klinghoffer’s decision to open himself up to vulnerability is worth noting. He was less concerned with filling John’s shoes as he was buying a completely different pair. The bellowing riffs at the end of “Police Station” display a darker sound than we are used to. “Meet Me At the Corner” ends with a country twang that serves as a first for the Chili Peppers. To me, “Look Around” stands up as my early favorite. They embrace their old school funk sound and embed it into a brand new virtuosic interpretation. This track reassured me that I could certainly deal with this new life. It also displayed Klinghoffers freedom, which underscores the group’s trust in their new man.
This album will not likely reach the level of commercial success that 2006’s Stadium Arcadium attained. Frusciante will likely be brought up in the same breath as I’m With You with its similarity to One Hot Minute. With a band this big, there will always be a large table with many chairs open for criticism. I think the revolving door of band members coupled with the continuing change of sounds has been the reason why RHCP has always kept my interest. I support this album and congratulate the new team on continually embracing innovation.
Written by Brett McGrath
Album Review: The War on Drugs ‘Slave Ambient’
Do not link these guys to a fraudulent President who first coined the term “War on Drugs.” This Philly based rock n’ roll quartet is nothing but authentic. Sure some influences ring out in their songs, most notably Bruce Springsteen, This blend of folk, blues, Americana, alternative and country provides a melting pot of opportunities for innovation. These guys make me proud. They allow me to tout Bloomington-based indie label Secretly Canadian (See: Gardens & Villa, Here We Go Magic, Throw Me the Statue, and Yeasayer amongst many others) once again.
I would be lying if I told you that I was all over their 2008 release Wagonwheel Blues. However, I only recently realized that Kurt Vile was once a member of this group. I guess it took a Vile departure to legendary Matador Records in 2009 and a revamped roster to finally grab my attention.
Current
▪ Adam Granduciel (vocals, guitar, harmonica, keyboards, samplers)
▪ Dave Hartley (bass, guitars)
▪ Mike Zanghi (drums, percussion, sampler)
Former
▪ Kurt Vile (guitar)
▪ Kyle Lloyd (drums)
▪ Charlie Hall (drums, organ)
It also helps that Sirius XMU has been dropping an aerial assault of The War on Drugs‘ single “Baby Missiles” off of their brand new album Slave Ambient.
These songs are heavily layered and detailed compared to the folky stuff that I am used to. A quick album comparison for me is to match this one up against Wilco’s AM. The irony is that AM was the first Wilco album post the Uncle Tupelo fall out. The change in The War on Drugs regime fits and makes sense. I hope Granduciel understands that he has the power to project like Jeff Tweedy because this material has staying power.
Along with “Baby Missiles”, I believe “Brothers” and even a wordless “Original Slave” do the best job of projecting their sounds. To me, these songs build fusion and exemplify the unity that this new group is attempting to find.
I hate to do it, but I thank “Tricky Dick” Nixon for naming a terrific band. The War on Drugs, I thank you for this fresh piece of team building and Americana happiness.
“If you want to build beautiful music, you must play black and white notes together”
Richard Milhous Nixon
Finding the gray area is what these guys do best. Buy their album at Luna Music.
Written by Brett McGrath
Album Review: Listen to The Coasts Self-Titled Debut LP
Over the last month, I have been thrilled by my discovery of The Coasts, a two man band comprised of college buddies Ike Peters and Eric Mount. The two financed the album themselves for $400 with the help of Little Rock producer Isaac Alexander. Their work resulted in a lo-fi, low budget joy ride that I have hardly been able to put down.
The album immediately resonated with me. Peters’ vocals sound alarmingly similar to Dr. Dog lead singer Scott McMicken. However, The Coasts are much less dressed up than Dr. Dog, exchanging four part harmonies for stripped down, roots rock appeal. The first time I heard their self-titled debut, it sounded as if McMicken were singing an album of lost Black Keys covers.
Like The Keys’ Rubber Factory or The Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St., the tight quarters and sweat drenched setting of their makeshift recording studio bleed into the music. This album is old school rock n’ roll at its finest: addictive melodies, fuzzy guitars and the occasional horn flourish.
Crack open a frosty beer, light a cigarette and give this album a spin. Quite simply, if you can’t get down with The Coasts, we probably should not hang out on the weekends. The duo has some work to do before they carve out a truly unique sound. As stated earlier, their influences are apparent at every turn. That being said, I will sacrifice originality for quality songwriting and good, old-fashioned rock n’ roll any day of the week.
To learn more about the making of The Coasts‘ debut album, read our interview with the band, HERE.
Written by Rob Peoni
Thought on Tracks 