Allow me lord to rock out naked (The "Old Glory" Write Off: Red)

As the first part of my contribution to the “Old Glory” write-off, celebrating American independence with a write-off, what better way than with a classic album, by the kings of power-funk rock, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Their album Blood Sugar Sex Magik remains one of my all-time favorites, and forever will be the crowning achievement by this outrageous band.

Tracks:
1. The Power Of Equality
2. If You Have To Ask
3. Breaking The Girl
4. Funky Monks
5. Suck My Kiss
6. I Could Have Lied
7. Mellowship Slinky in B Major
8. The Righteous & The Wicked
9. Give It Away
10. Blood Sugar Sex Magik
11. Under The Bridge
12. Naked In The rain
13. Apache Rose Peacock
14. The Greeting Song
15. My Lovely Man
16. Sir Psycho Sexy
17. They’re Red Hot

Producer: Rick Rubin

Musicians:
“Flea” – Bass Guitar
Anthony Kiedis – Vocals
John Frusciante – Guitar
Chad Smith – Drums

Breakdown:
Blood Sugar Sex Magik is one of my all time favorite albums. It was the album that got me into the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and is so incRedible, it forever ruined any chance for me to appreciate any of their other albums. I’ve tried listening to some other albums, and even a “greatest hits” package, but none of them seem to have the raw energy and power that this album has. Legend has it that the album was recorded in a haunted house. It would make sense, because parts of this album are simply terrifying.

For those not familiar with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, they are unadulterated power funk rock. Their live shows are outrageous, often featuring the band playing in the nude, or at the very least, with a tube sock worn over a certain part of the body it is not normally found on. Alot of times, bands that come across with so much power in a live setting, often have trouble translating that energy to a studio recording. Not this time, however....

The production is loud and in-your-face. Bass player “Flea” doesn’t simply play his instrument, he attacks it with reckless abandon, popping and slapping out meaty bass lines. His tone is as aggressive and edgy as his playing style. He locks in perfectly with drummer Chad Smith, whose timing and meter is impeccable. Guitarist Frusciante complements the rhythm section, alternately laying down crisp funk chord progressions, and wildly brash guitar solos. Vocalist Anthony Kiedis sings more in a rap style, then having a strong melodic presence. However, when needed, he can breakout with some emotional folk-like vocals. But mostly, this band is all about the rhythm - solid, unstoppable rhythm.

Hot Spots:
Give It Away - This song was one of two “hits” from this album. It has a simple beat and bass riff, while the guitar just noodles out some notes on top. It has some great lines like, Greedy little people in a sea of distress/ Keep your more to receive your less/ unimpressed by material excess/ love is free love me say hell yes. The lyrics flow like poetry.

Under The Bridge - Ok, not personally one of my favorites, but it needs to be mentioned. This was the hit song from this album. I always thought this was probably the weakest song on the album, yet they chose it for a video and airplay. It is a slower, more sentimentally affectionate track, paying tribute to the city of Los Angeles.

Funky Monks - Starts of with a crisp guitar line that almost sounds like popping and slapping. It has a plodding, thumping bassline, and lyrics that pay homage to the sexual opportunity available to a touring rock band.

The Righteous & The Wicked - This anti-war song is steeped in political overtones. It has a very large sound, and a wild guitar solo. The Peppers make an impassioned cry for tolerance and peace.

Sir Psycho Sexy - This eight minute track is the longest on the disk. It’s a song about raunchy sex. I’m sure Jerry Falwell would have his panties in a bunch, if he heard the first verse: Deep inside the Garden of Eden/ Standin there with my hard on bleedin/ There’s a devil in my dick and demons in my semen/ good god no that would be treason / believe me eve she gave good reason / booty lookin too good not to be squeezin / creamy beaver, hotter than a fever / I’m givin cause she’s the receiver / I won’t and I don’t hang up until I please her / makin her feel like an over achiever / I take it away for a minute just to tease her / then I give it back a little bit deeper. Ahhh… If I had a dime for every time that happened to me…..

I Could Have Lied - This song provides a real contrast to the rest of the album. It is a quiet, reflective neo-ballad. It has an acoustic guitar playing the main line, and the rhythm section stays strictly in the background. The guitar solo over flows with emotion, as Kiedis’ vocals are soulfully regretful.

Overall:
This disk is a real classic. It is chocked full of energy and feeling. Like I mentioned before, I have tried to listen to other Red Hot Chili Pepper disks, but for some reason could not obtain the same high that this album inspires. If you buy only one disk by this band, let it be this one.

**
This review is part one of the “Old Glory” Write-off, which each participant has been charged with writing a review of something connected to each of the colors red, white, and blue. Read the next installment in the series: White

Please see the following reviewers for their contributions:

Dedemw
Donnie013
jeff_wilder78
Tom Barnes
Beckish
SusiDee34
Aerocat
Ned1
Bryan_carey
Jay1051971 (host)
ariel10575 (co-host)