RIP RHCP

[jacko]

Well maybe not, but It's hard to see how they can carry on in the same vein now that frusciante has officially left.
 
Graeme
 
(Message edited by jacko on December 14, 2009)

[mike1762]

What did everyone think of Flea as a bassist???  My understanding is that he was a trumpet prodigy, but his bass playing either left me wondering why did you do THAT or thinking yea... what else you got?.  But this is coming from a guy that doesn't care for several iconic players.  I guess an analogy would be a guy who REALLY likes hamburgers who just doesn't appreciate foie gras.  I like bass hamburgers.

[dluxe]

Flea was influenced by a lot of the '70's funk players for sure.  I had thought of doing the same type of music back in the early 80's but I never considered myself as good of a funk player as those guys in Slave, T-Connection, Mass Production, Brothers Johnson, Sun, BT Express, etc.

[adriaan]

Mike - I think the analogy you're trying to make would make you like bass foie gras. (Ducks and geese are water birds, so not an astronomical leap to fishes.)

[jacko]

I think Flea's playing is absolutely perfect for the band he's in although I have to admit that much of their output leaves me cold. I've not heard him in many other situations but one that springs to mind is on Stanley Clarke's 'Night School' dvd where Flea jams with Stanley and Stewart Copeland and manages to 'hold his end up' so to speak. The only other thing I've seen him in is Back to the Future 2 and 3 where he is well cast as Needles.
 
Graeme

[hydrargyrum]

Frankly, I've hated the band ever since he came back anyway.  His playing has been weak ever since he dropped out the first time from excessive heroin abuse (so it's not like this the first time he left, and declaring the band dead may be premature).  If the band could write a single song that didn't focus on how evil california is, it would be a helpful start.  I know that the others didn't get along well with Dave Navarro, but I'll take just about any track on One Hot Minute, over anything that followed.
 
As for Flea, his playing was a lot funkier back on Albums like Freaky Styley.  As he's gotten older, he's said in interviews that he isn't as interested in showing off with his playing.  Well, that might be helpful from time to time.

[goop]

I love the RHCP and think they are an important band in the over scheme.  They are far more important than U2, who have, for some reason, reached Beatle like status (although more deserving than Oasis who accomplished the same). U2 have some great music and I like them.  I don't believe their music is, or will be as relevant to music history at the RHCP.  Fruscante seems unstable, so this is not surprising and I suspect if it happens, he will again come back for more.  I think Flea is a great bass player, song writer and an enigma like no other.
 
I heard Flea auditioned for and was accepted into PIL and elected to join the RHCP instead.
 
He is in one of my favourite films, The Big Lebowski and I believe he has been in a number of television and film events.

[gregduboc]

Just adding to Graeme's post:
Stanley and Flea
 
Greg

[hydrargyrum]

Nihilist: We believe in nothing, Lebowski. Nothing. And tomorrow we come back and we cut off your chonson.
The Dude: Excuse me?
Nihilist: I said
[shouting]
Nihilist: We'll cut off your johnson!
Nihilist #2: Just think about that, Lebowski.
Nihilist: Yeah, your wiggly penis, Lebowski.
Nihilist #3: Yeah and maybe we stomp on it and squoosh it, Lebowski.  
 
 
I love that movie.

[goop]

yah, well, that's like, just your opinion, man.
 
you want a toe? hell I can get you a toe, with nailpolish by 3 oclock.
 
Seriously, how can anyone resist this non-stop brilliance.

[gregduboc]

F*** it, Dude, let's go bowling
 
Greg

[darkstar01]

i lost respect for rhcp when they started all of their nonsense with Mr.Bungle back in the day by refusing to play any festivals or shows if Bungle (who is a MUCH MUCH better band, with a MUCH better bass player, imo) was involved. there's a good video of Bungle dressing up as rhcp and making fun of their songs on youtube. good stuff.

[toma_hawk01]

Flea was cartooned in the Simpsons -- so he must be good. Just kidding  
 
I think Flea is more funky than Stanley. Stanley is too stiff, mechanical, and very choreographed to me. Maybe one of these day's I'll discuss this more.
 
Flea is funky!
 
 
 
(
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on December 14, 2009)

[hydrargyrum]

I just saw the Mr. Bungle imitation clip, and they nailed them completely.  Funny stuff.  I like Mr. Bungle, but the frenetic nature of their music makes it difficult for me to listen to.  It sounds too much like what I imagine schizophrenia would sound like, if it were music.
 
Hal - I know you were only kidding, but N-Sync were also guest stars on the Simpsons, so we can definitely forget that theory.

[darkstar01]

off topic i know, but i see what you're saying about Mr Bungle. i always thought they sounded like a quality successor to Zappa, though. i could listen to their record California (the one whose release RHCP demanded be delayed due to the release of their Californication record, ironically enough) on repeat for days. at least a little less schizo than their older stuff.