Red Hot Chili Peppers – I’m with you
The pioneers of punk-funk are back with their tenth album that employs the band’s trademark sounds, but also leaning towards new and experimental styles. The 14-track album starts off with the high energy Monarchy of Roses, setting the mood with tribal drumming and edgy guitar riffs, and moves on to Factory of Faith, a song nostalgic of Blood Sugar Sex Magik and Californication. Brendan’s Death Song is a mellow tribute to their friend, while Ethiopia does well in the mid-tempo funk zone. Other tracks brim with hip-hop beats, electronic elements, stomp-inducing drumming, breezy guitar riffs and funk-heavy sections. The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie is a funky jam, sure to perk up the dreariest of mornings. It’s evident that the album has been influenced by African music, since part of the band spent much time in Ethiopia. All in all, this vividly-textured album is a must-hear for RHCP fans or otherwise.
SuperHeavy
Aptly titled SuperHeavy, this band is an eclectic collaboration between musical biggies like Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger, British soul songstress Joss Stone, reggae artist Damien Marley, Eurythmics founder Dave Stewart and India’s own musical genius AR Rahman. Miracle Worker has that airy reggae touch, while Rock me Gently has an easy, smooth feel. Lending the album an Indian touch is the unimpressive anthem-like Satyameva Jayathe. Energy on the other hand is the most upbeat of the lot with high-speed raps laid over a techno beat. An unusual blend of top-notch artists is bound to be impressive. But, the mix-motch of reggae, country, Bollywood orchestra sounds and other elements takes away any striking expectations one might have of this elite fusion of musicians. The production, on the other hand, could well be the saving grace.
