Red Hot Chili Peppers — Dani California
Album: Stadium ArcadiumAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3140
Length: 4:40
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Gettin' born in the state of Mississippi
Papa was a copper and mama was a hippie
In Alabama, she would swing a hammer
Price you gotta pay when you break the panorama
She never knew that there was anything more than poor
What in the world does your company take me for?
Black bandanna, sweet Louisiana
Robbin' on a bank in the state of Indiana
She's a runner, rebel and a stunner
On her merry way sayin', "Baby, whatcha gonna?"
Looking down the barrel of a hot metal forty-five
Just another way to survive
California, rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California, show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
She's a lover, baby, and a fighter
Shoulda seen it comin' when it got a little brighter
With a name like Dani California
Day was gonna come when I was gonna mourn ya
A little loaded, she was stealin' another breath
I love my baby to death
California, rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California, show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
Who knew the other side of you?
Who knew what others died to prove?
Too true to say goodbye to you
Too true to say, say, say
Push the fader, gifted animator
One for the now and eleven for the later
Never made it up to Minnesota
North Dakota man was a-gunnin' for the quota
Down in the Badlands, she was savin' the best for last
It only hurts when I laugh
Gone too fast
California, rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California, show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
California, rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California, show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
Papa was a copper and mama was a hippie
In Alabama, she would swing a hammer
Price you gotta pay when you break the panorama
She never knew that there was anything more than poor
What in the world does your company take me for?
Black bandanna, sweet Louisiana
Robbin' on a bank in the state of Indiana
She's a runner, rebel and a stunner
On her merry way sayin', "Baby, whatcha gonna?"
Looking down the barrel of a hot metal forty-five
Just another way to survive
California, rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California, show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
She's a lover, baby, and a fighter
Shoulda seen it comin' when it got a little brighter
With a name like Dani California
Day was gonna come when I was gonna mourn ya
A little loaded, she was stealin' another breath
I love my baby to death
California, rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California, show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
Who knew the other side of you?
Who knew what others died to prove?
Too true to say goodbye to you
Too true to say, say, say
Push the fader, gifted animator
One for the now and eleven for the later
Never made it up to Minnesota
North Dakota man was a-gunnin' for the quota
Down in the Badlands, she was savin' the best for last
It only hurts when I laugh
Gone too fast
California, rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California, show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
California, rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California, show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest
Yeah, yeah
Comments (183)add comment
Such lazy vocals and really annoying rhyming. Skip...
(Maybe all you RHCP fans out there are on to something, but I don't get it. Enjoy it!)
(Maybe all you RHCP fans out there are on to something, but I don't get it. Enjoy it!)
giammin wrote:
You must not be in a band
IMHO they should have stopped after blod sugar sex magic. Following albums were just acceptable.
You must not be in a band
This sounds so much more coherent/cohesive than their latest release where Flea sounds like he should be looking for a new band... And Kiedis should reassess.
acferrad wrote:
Agree!
I hate groups the just rehash their last hit in a different guise.
Agree!
acferrad wrote:
This sounds nothing like True Men Don't Kill Coyotes.
I hate groups the just rehash their last hit in a different guise.
This sounds nothing like True Men Don't Kill Coyotes.
I hate groups the just rehash their last hit in a different guise.
As one whole piece of music this album is outstanding.
A solid EIGHT, from this 66 year old man.
idiot_wind wrote:
Hey mean,
I was never a fan in the early years. But the more I listen to them during last 25 years, they have put out alot of good, creative RnR.
I was about 16 in about 1987 when I first heard the RHCP. In my corner of the universe they were only for the skater kids. "Dead Men Don't Kill Coyotes" and "Catholic School Girls Rule" were their big hits and loved by us skater kids. I was really surprised when they somehow got famous outside of skater/punk rock circles. I'm not sure if that early music really held the test of time, but for me in that time and age, it was great!
Hey mean,
I was never a fan in the early years. But the more I listen to them during last 25 years, they have put out alot of good, creative RnR.
I was about 16 in about 1987 when I first heard the RHCP. In my corner of the universe they were only for the skater kids. "Dead Men Don't Kill Coyotes" and "Catholic School Girls Rule" were their big hits and loved by us skater kids. I was really surprised when they somehow got famous outside of skater/punk rock circles. I'm not sure if that early music really held the test of time, but for me in that time and age, it was great!
Oh...it's "Gone to fast"... All this time I thought it was "Come to bed"
rd wrote:
ME TOO!!! LOL!!! ...Too Funny!!! GREAT TUNE!!!
I'm looking forward to their new album about New Hampshire.
ME TOO!!! LOL!!! ...Too Funny!!! GREAT TUNE!!!
Thanks RP.
cuatrot wrote:
I saw them on this tour, the majority of the crowd walked out. They were awful. BSSM is a master piece and they will never be able to top that. John and Chad's playing still rock.
Yeah , I've been a bit disappointed at more than one of their shows!
Hard to deliver the vocal power & tightness of allot of their studio masterpieces , live. Particularly the tracks on stadium Arcadium!
The album rocks so hard!
I saw them on this tour, the majority of the crowd walked out. They were awful. BSSM is a master piece and they will never be able to top that. John and Chad's playing still rock.
Yeah , I've been a bit disappointed at more than one of their shows!
Hard to deliver the vocal power & tightness of allot of their studio masterpieces , live. Particularly the tracks on stadium Arcadium!
The album rocks so hard!
That's absurd!
Nails the" California sound"!
His vocal is a big part of what the Chili Pepers are!
The Chorus is not whiny !
But Powerful!
all_ears wrote:
Nails the" California sound"!
His vocal is a big part of what the Chili Pepers are!
The Chorus is not whiny !
But Powerful!
all_ears wrote:
Really like the tight playing, just can't suffer the whinging "singing". One of a number of bands who could sound so much better with a real singer. (Dave Matthews is another than quickly comes to mind.)
NIce song from RHCP, reminds me on their earlier work on Mothers Milk album.
RIP Tom Petty ;)
Really like the tight playing, just can't suffer the whinging "singing". One of a number of bands who could sound so much better with a real singer. (Dave Matthews is another than quickly comes to mind.)
Did you know Red Hot Chili Peppers had albums other than Stadium Arcadium?
meanrat wrote:
Same here. Very unpleasant stuff.
This is so repetitive I get really annoyed hearing this song. Really don't understand the love for this band.
Same here. Very unpleasant stuff.
giammin wrote:
One Hot Minute is glorious.. as much as Blood Sugar Sex Magic... in a different way
IMHO they should have stopped after blod sugar sex magic. Following albums were just acceptable.
One Hot Minute is glorious.. as much as Blood Sugar Sex Magic... in a different way
idiot_wind wrote:
Hey mean,
I was never a fan in the early years. But the more I listen to them during last 25 years, they have put out alot of good, creative RnR.
I have such mixed feelings about RHCP. Lots of good music over the years, but when I saw them in London at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1992, it still stands out as one of the worst concerts I have ever seen. It was such a turn off, i can't get those horrible performances out of my memory
Hey mean,
I was never a fan in the early years. But the more I listen to them during last 25 years, they have put out alot of good, creative RnR.
I have such mixed feelings about RHCP. Lots of good music over the years, but when I saw them in London at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1992, it still stands out as one of the worst concerts I have ever seen. It was such a turn off, i can't get those horrible performances out of my memory
Yes, most excellent.."8"...
meanrat wrote:
Hey mean,
I was never a fan in the early years. But the more I listen to them during last 25 years, they have put out alot of good, creative RnR.
This is so repetitive I get really annoyed hearing this song. Really don't understand the love for this band.
Hey mean,
I was never a fan in the early years. But the more I listen to them during last 25 years, they have put out alot of good, creative RnR.
This is so repetitive I get really annoyed hearing this song. Really don't understand the love for this band.
daniel_rusk wrote:
Right ! RHCP is the most overated band ever-
I've more than had enough of these guys. Boring and old stuff. Please go back to the ninties. And stay there! Not even popular with my friends who are in their 30's!
Right ! RHCP is the most overated band ever-
can't beat "classic"
Nicely followed today by The Jayhawks - "Waiting For The Sun". Nice touch, RP. Credit where it's due.
daniel_rusk wrote:
Your friends that are in their 30's...that's hilarious.
I've more than had enough of these guys. Boring and old stuff. Please go back to the ninties. And stay there! Not even popular with my friends who are in their 30's!
Your friends that are in their 30's...that's hilarious.
obankenobi wrote:
Well, I occupied my dorm room in the early 70s. Can I still be cool?
If your late 80's dorm room didn't have the famous sock poster it just wasn't cool
Well, I occupied my dorm room in the early 70s. Can I still be cool?
If your late 80's dorm room didn't have the famous sock poster it just wasn't cool
🤘👅🤘
Seems to my ears that John Frusciante's solo and harmonics on this are a nod to Randy California.
Saw the Peppers live in the mid '80s and they were full of youthful exuberance - they rocked hard.
Saw the Peppers live in the mid '80s and they were full of youthful exuberance - they rocked hard.
I'm looking forward to their new album about New Hampshire.
kcar wrote:
Very good. Never ever reconsider your fixed opinion about a band, not even for one song. Run. Maintain your ideological purity. No matter who's playing it and maybe, just maybe, there's something there that you're missing. Or unwilling to consider. Run!
RHCP?!?!? Kitty is very eager to hit that PSD button:
Very good. Never ever reconsider your fixed opinion about a band, not even for one song. Run. Maintain your ideological purity. No matter who's playing it and maybe, just maybe, there's something there that you're missing. Or unwilling to consider. Run!
These guys. Ugh.
Always a pity the PSD-button is useless when playing RP on my Sonos. Now I have to switch to another station for at least the length of this song.
idiot_wind wrote:
I could NOT agree more and I am super bummed THIS is the choice we finally get, sheesh. The Pepps ROCK SO HARD and have soooooooooooooooooooo many great options and really? THIS ONE? Well at least we get to hear some of Flea's amazing skills but I guess RP does not share the love of this incredible band.
You should consider playing more of them. Pretty good RnR that has stood the test of time.
I could NOT agree more and I am super bummed THIS is the choice we finally get, sheesh. The Pepps ROCK SO HARD and have soooooooooooooooooooo many great options and really? THIS ONE? Well at least we get to hear some of Flea's amazing skills but I guess RP does not share the love of this incredible band.
You should consider playing more of them. Pretty good RnR that has stood the test of time.
gregler wrote:
Totally agreed, what the hell is the average age of RP listeners, 50? RHCP rock, including this song!!
haha nice one
agree, cool song, as well as album
Totally agreed, what the hell is the average age of RP listeners, 50? RHCP rock, including this song!!
haha nice one
agree, cool song, as well as album
markybx wrote:
I really want to know did the tiger eat that guy? I hope the elephant was ok btw.
apparently not. the guy just had his hand bitten.
I really want to know did the tiger eat that guy? I hope the elephant was ok btw.
apparently not. the guy just had his hand bitten.
I have never cared for RHCP's music, but I love their drummer for personal reasons. At their concert last week in Columbus, Ohio, he closed the show by singing The Victors.
SECA_Alan wrote:
Yep, starting with Californication, they took the loudness wars to the next level. Everything is just compressed to death, zero dynamic range. Probably sounds great to the ears of the average teenager with undeveloped musical taste and an attention span of 30 seconds, but it becomes annoying very quickly. I agree that the track in itself is pretty good, but the production just makes me not want to buy any of their recent albums whatsoever.
Definitely one of their better tracks,I quite like this. Awful production though - bleh!
Great link from John Butler Trio, who sound like a 'good RHCP'.
Great link from John Butler Trio, who sound like a 'good RHCP'.
Yep, starting with Californication, they took the loudness wars to the next level. Everything is just compressed to death, zero dynamic range. Probably sounds great to the ears of the average teenager with undeveloped musical taste and an attention span of 30 seconds, but it becomes annoying very quickly. I agree that the track in itself is pretty good, but the production just makes me not want to buy any of their recent albums whatsoever.
kcar wrote:
I don't understand the current fad of taking an efficiently compressed video, and converting it to the horribly inefficient GIF format that was only intended for simple web animations. This GIF takes 22MB, while an H.264 compressed video of it takes about 1MB. I guess the next big thing will be using BMP instead of JPEG for still images. I pity the fools who browse the internet on a mobile connection, especially if it is prepaid or has a data limit.
RHCP?!?!? Kitty is very eager to hit that PSD button:
I don't understand the current fad of taking an efficiently compressed video, and converting it to the horribly inefficient GIF format that was only intended for simple web animations. This GIF takes 22MB, while an H.264 compressed video of it takes about 1MB. I guess the next big thing will be using BMP instead of JPEG for still images. I pity the fools who browse the internet on a mobile connection, especially if it is prepaid or has a data limit.
kcar wrote:
I really want to know did the tiger eat that guy? I hope the elephant was ok btw.
RHCP?!?!? Kitty is very eager to hit that PSD button:
I really want to know did the tiger eat that guy? I hope the elephant was ok btw.
RHCP?!?!? Kitty is very eager to hit that PSD button:
Very good to hear them!
Wow! Lots of RHCP haters out there. I like this song. Keeps my afternoon rockin' along just fine.
kgage wrote:
Unfortunately, Higher Ground by the RHCP is not on the RP playlist. Though I agree with you - it's a great version, and one of the few songs by this band that I can stand.
Ditto.
They did have that one good song... umm what was it again...?
Oh yeah! It was Higher Ground.
That was the good one.
They did have that one good song... umm what was it again...?
Oh yeah! It was Higher Ground.
That was the good one.
Unfortunately, Higher Ground by the RHCP is not on the RP playlist. Though I agree with you - it's a great version, and one of the few songs by this band that I can stand.
IMHO they should have stopped after blod sugar sex magic. Following albums were just acceptable.
Definitely one of their better tracks,I quite like this. Awful production though - bleh!
Great link from John Butler Trio, who sound like a 'good RHCP'.
Great link from John Butler Trio, who sound like a 'good RHCP'.
This is not good.
Ditto.
They did have that one good song... umm what was it again...?
Oh yeah! It was Higher Ground.
That was the good one.
They did have that one good song... umm what was it again...?
Oh yeah! It was Higher Ground.
That was the good one.
daniel_rusk wrote:
Ditto.
I've more than had enough of these guys. Boring and old stuff. Please go back to the ninties. And stay there! Not even popular with my friends who are in their 30's!
Ditto.
So Bill is planning "John Butler Trio — Company Sin" and I'm thinking it reminds me of the Chilies. So, naturally, Bill reads my mind and plays Dani California. Great work as usual, Bill.
stunix wrote:
It may depend upon which town you're from.
Not their worst, but not their best. D'you think I could make money singing the name of my home town in every 3rd song?
It may depend upon which town you're from.
I've more than had enough of these guys. Boring and old stuff. Please go back to the ninties. And stay there! Not even popular with my friends who are in their 30's!
Music-free music.
BobLoblaw wrote:
As with many other majors, U2, Prince and others
Love the Peppers but this and all subsequent albums were a big step down from their previous work.
As with many other majors, U2, Prince and others
Not their worst, but not their best. D'you think I could make money singing the name of my home town in every 3rd song?
Love the Peppers but this and all subsequent albums were a big step down from their previous work.
wrangler wrote:
Given your ratings distribution, you may have come to the wrong place.
no no no. this is the kind of crap i come to radio paradise to get away from. just awful.
Given your ratings distribution, you may have come to the wrong place.
:-)
me too. garbage.
wrangler wrote:
wrangler wrote:
no no no. this is the kind of crap i come to radio paradise to get away from. just awful.
no no no. this is the kind of crap i come to radio paradise to get away from. just awful.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Same here. I have been told by a guitar-playing mate of mine that some of their stuff is pretty tricky to play, though
They have a pretty solid back end with Flea and Chad Smith which holds this mess together. Chad Smith is one funny character. A few years ago I took my then 8 year old son to a drum clinic hosted by Chad. He looked like he had been up all night, sporting a beer pong t-shirt, ball cap and red eyes. He looked out into the crowd and told us that the hall reminded him of an old porn theatre. It was a little off color at times however he did explain he only uses 4 swear words. He played a few RHCP songs, told some jokes and stories of the early years. I don't think my son came away with anything useful from the clinic as he had recently witnessed a 3 hour drum clinic from Gavin Harrison.
Same here. I have been told by a guitar-playing mate of mine that some of their stuff is pretty tricky to play, though
They have a pretty solid back end with Flea and Chad Smith which holds this mess together. Chad Smith is one funny character. A few years ago I took my then 8 year old son to a drum clinic hosted by Chad. He looked like he had been up all night, sporting a beer pong t-shirt, ball cap and red eyes. He looked out into the crowd and told us that the hall reminded him of an old porn theatre. It was a little off color at times however he did explain he only uses 4 swear words. He played a few RHCP songs, told some jokes and stories of the early years. I don't think my son came away with anything useful from the clinic as he had recently witnessed a 3 hour drum clinic from Gavin Harrison.
Stratocaster wrote:
Same here. I have been told by a guitar-playing mate of mine that some of their stuff is pretty tricky to play, though
Blech. Never liked RHCP.
Same here. I have been told by a guitar-playing mate of mine that some of their stuff is pretty tricky to play, though
To my ears, the riff is reminiscent of Randy California - particularly that one lick with the harmonics. Something Randy used to do quite a bit.
Meh.
adroc wrote:
Tom Petty "acquired" this guitar riff from the Jayhawks right around the time they were his opening act on tour. Take a listen to "Waiting for the sun"and you'd swear he not only borrowed the riff, but also the guitar, amps, and guitarist.
Apparently Tom Petty's wasn't the last dance with Mary Jane - the Chili Peppers took her for one last spin around the dancefloor, but for some reason they call her Dani.
Tom Petty "acquired" this guitar riff from the Jayhawks right around the time they were his opening act on tour. Take a listen to "Waiting for the sun"and you'd swear he not only borrowed the riff, but also the guitar, amps, and guitarist.
Not a bad song, but I would call in low on the scale for RHCP songs.
Only decent song they've ever put out....
no
Blech. Never liked RHCP.
LowPhreak wrote:
A tip of the hat to Randy California?
Best thing is the guitar solo at the end. Gotta love that anyway.
A tip of the hat to Randy California?
RedGuitar wrote:
John Frusciante, no?
The sober John Frusciante era is the best of all RHCP eras in my opinoin.
John Frusciante, no?
The sober John Frusciante era is the best of all RHCP eras in my opinoin.
adroc wrote:
When learning acoustic guitar this summer we learned both songs and discussed their chord similarities at length.
Apparently Tom Petty's wasn't the last dance with Mary Jane - the Chili Peppers took her for one last spin around the dancefloor, but for some reason they call her Dani.
When learning acoustic guitar this summer we learned both songs and discussed their chord similarities at length.
Apparently Tom Petty's wasn't the last dance with Mary Jane - the Chili Peppers took her for one last spin around the dancefloor, but for some reason they call her Dani.
It says this was last played on September 29, though as I recall, it was played last night, on October 30. A bug?
GREAT Video!
I don't normally like these guys, but I like this one.
LowPhreak wrote:
John Frusciante, no?
Best thing is the guitar solo at the end. Gotta love that anyway.
John Frusciante, no?
So much for Red and Hot...maybe if Flea takes his shirt off the song will sound better. That's about all they have going for them at this point. Sick of Mr. Kiedis' voice. 
Wait, maybe they could all wear costumes and each have different face make-up or masks. That would work. Cool new idea, too!
Wait, maybe they could all wear costumes and each have different face make-up or masks. That would work. Cool new idea, too!
They're like a tribute band to themselves.
Yeah...these guys are so far past being exciting any more. What a shame. 4.
gregler wrote:
Totally agreed, what the hell is the average age of RP listeners, 50? RHCP rock, including this song!!
Has nothing to do with age. Anthony Kiedis's (Is that right?) voice grates on my nerves for some reason. I liked them a little when they first hit it big in the early 90's. Bought a couple of their CD's but got tired of them quickly.
On the other hand, I have to aggree that Flea IS a great talent (acting aside) and that guitar solo at the end kicks butt.
Totally agreed, what the hell is the average age of RP listeners, 50? RHCP rock, including this song!!
Has nothing to do with age. Anthony Kiedis's (Is that right?) voice grates on my nerves for some reason. I liked them a little when they first hit it big in the early 90's. Bought a couple of their CD's but got tired of them quickly.
On the other hand, I have to aggree that Flea IS a great talent (acting aside) and that guitar solo at the end kicks butt.
As a stark contrast, folk should also check out the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, which are bagpipes on crystal meth and absolutely fantastic live. No disrespect to the Peppers, mind, though they never rung my bells, sadly.
Rock on Chilis!
love this whole album
Best thing is the guitar solo at the end. Gotta love that anyway.
gregler wrote:
Totally agreed, what the hell is the average age of RP listeners, 50? RHCP rock, including this song!!
I'm 53, have seen em live, have their Slane Castle DVD, and completely agree that they rock. Flea is a huge talent.
This tune isn't one of their better efforts, that's all.
Totally agreed, what the hell is the average age of RP listeners, 50? RHCP rock, including this song!!
I'm 53, have seen em live, have their Slane Castle DVD, and completely agree that they rock. Flea is a huge talent.
This tune isn't one of their better efforts, that's all.
I want to like the Chilli Peppers, but everything since Blood Sugar Sex Magic sounds about the same. They've grown from Funk/Punk to Adult Contemporary Funk, and I have to wonder if their knowledge of geography extends past California.
I hate to say this Anthony, but I think you're getting pretty lame.
I hate to say this Anthony, but I think you're getting pretty lame.
Love this song, love Anthony. His voice always touches my heart; it's like I can feel all his pain.
BTW, I'm an oldster, and I think the Peppas RAWK!!!
BTW, I'm an oldster, and I think the Peppas RAWK!!!
e_b wrote:
There are some fans that don't like the new songs from rhcp and "cry about the old time" (i have no idea if i can say it in english). So they rate the song very low whatever the song is good or not.
I like the "new" album from the rhcp.
All that being said, I still can't believe this song didn't rate higher 
.
.There are some fans that don't like the new songs from rhcp and "cry about the old time" (i have no idea if i can say it in english). So they rate the song very low whatever the song is good or not.
I like the "new" album from the rhcp.
All that being said, I still can't believe this song didn't rate higher .
. Oscar_the_Grouch wrote:
Totally agreed, what the hell is the average age of RP listeners, 50? RHCP rock, including this song!!
Puttin' in another Grouchy 10 to counter the ignorant and the haters. Go back to listening to your Clearchannel Classic Rock(tm) station.
Totally agreed, what the hell is the average age of RP listeners, 50? RHCP rock, including this song!!
Puttin' in another Grouchy 10 to counter the ignorant and the haters. Go back to listening to your Clearchannel Classic Rock(tm) station.
Best band ever.
I really like this song...ok, it's because I love Anthony 
fluffybum wrote:
Well...that's a bit harsh in my book. But not by much. I do like their version of "Higher Ground."
boy oh boy the chili peppers sure do suck the big one.
Well...that's a bit harsh in my book. But not by much. I do like their version of "Higher Ground."
boy oh boy the chili peppers sure do suck the big one.
A band that reminds me of CCR: pretty much one song in the repertoire. Oh, sure, they call slightly different versions by different names, but still. . . .
Good thing it's a fairly good song.
Good thing it's a fairly good song.
coding_to_music wrote:
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Simultaneous+release
You asked...
California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess; i'm your priest
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess; i'm your priest
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Simultaneous+release
You asked...
Love the Peppers!!!
Anthony
Anthony lsherida wrote:
Yes, one of my favorites to play!
I can't listen passively to this song any more. Too much Rock Band on the xbox. :)
Yes, one of my favorites to play!
I can't listen passively to this song any more. Too much Rock Band on the xbox. :)
Every time I hear someone say "too mainstream" I just have to imagine what you have in your collection. Ever hear of Johnny Cash? He was mainstream. It's not about classification, it's about enjoyment. My husband has a recording studio and the most pretentious "musicians" are usually the least creative and least humorous. Take my brother for example, who lives in Berkeley and decided the only way he could be truly "radical" in Berkeley was to dress up in Western garb. The looks he gets from the birkenstock/grubby hippy people are priceless! Alter your perspective and enjoy life
I know a guy who years ago had a cable-access show on local tv, and he had the RHCPs on. He said they were totally unknown and sucked beyond belief. He was watching tv a couple years later and literally didn't recognize them until the announcer said the name . . . so I guess the moral is "practice".
California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess; i'm your priest
They are in a serious rut, lacking their former creativity.
Bring back the days of True Men Don't Kill Coyotes.
I sure miss the boyz of yesteryear. I guess it's only fitting this dreck won the dubious award of "grammy" (as in didn't the grammys vote Jethro Tull "best heavy metal group" in 1989 or something like that. Guess it's about right giving this total schlock "album of the year" then.) Maybe next they'll be writing songs for some awful disney movie 
way overplayed.
beautiful purple haze-solo at the end :p
if then blood sugar sex magic, please
sqqqrly wrote:
Its me to. They are the KennyG of their genre!
Sorry, it's me too.
Their songs seem to sound the same because while they can play really well, Keidis can't sing.
So the first 1/2 of their career is mostly him quasi-rapping.
Then, with "Under the Bridge" he realized he could actually hit five notes instead of just one and they started dabbling in something I like to call "melody."
Sometimes they pull of a nice tune and Flea plays a mean bass but, in the end, Keidis' limited (and I mean limited) "vocal range" (and I use the term loosely) brings down their songs.
IMHO.
Still, they've started wearing shirts (sometimes) and that seems indicative of some kind of artistic growth.
There are worse bands out there.
TJ
p.s. I'm sure it's mentioned elsewhere in this thread so I won't belabour the fact that this sounds like "Mary Jane's Last Dance" (complete with substituting Alabama for Indiana). Nor will I engage in the "all rock music steals from something else" debate. This isn't a RIPOFF but it ain't a triumph of originallity either.
p.p.s. I'm not saying they invented the wordplay but Toronto's own Rheostatics used "Californication" in a song in 1993, beating RHCP by a few years. So props to the Rheos.
rgrace wrote:
O Genius, hear me now:
300 Ft. tall Redwoods in my back yard
Skinheads in Huntington Beach
Charles Manson
Silicon Valley
Highway 1 thru Big Sur
Meth heads pretty much everywhere
Sensimilla groves in Humboldt County
Left-wing house-proud snobs in Berkeley
You want more? Too busy to further elaborate but I have MUCH more....
California, like New York, has areas of cultural significance in the USA. It was nice to visit LA and Hollywood last summer but I really dont think I would want to live out there. Too pricey.
I am waiting for a song about Maine. I dont know if its lack of syllables works in its favor, though.
lunar1963 wrote:
"Bocephus wrote:
Maybe it's just me, but all their songs sound basically the same."
That's you, that only goes for their early work...
As for the California theme, some songs are part of a cycle, with the same protagonist... and California is a surreal world...
Its me to. They are the KennyG of their genre!
Sorry, worthless....
phishmanx wrote: 
I will match your and raise you another
and raise you another
When I was a youngman I hated how "old" bands would just keep going. Now I'm old, I'm glad that they do.