Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis rapped with SPIN about the LA funk-rock group's process of recording their 10th studio album. The Chili Peppers go through turmoil (and lineup changes) more than any band this side of Fleetwood Mac, so it's nice to see they are, in fact, releasing their first album in five years fairly soon. By Chili Peppers fans' standards, that's almost a generation.
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The new album, whimsically referred to as Dr. Johnny Skinz's Disproportionately Rambunctious Polar Express Machine-head for the time being, will be the first with new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who had previously served in their touring troupe. On-again, off-again guitarist John Frusciante left the group for the second time in 2008, but Kiedis is excited for the new lineup.
“It is always going to change the chemistry and feeling of the music when such a creative force as John Frusciante leaves. He was something unique that shaped our sound then, but now, I think it's also something fresh and exciting to have a new, incredible musical mind working with us,” he notes.
The band also claim to have a bit of an African influence on the record, which stems from Klinghoffer and bassist Flea's recent trip to that continent. Are the Chili Peppers going all Paul Simon on us? Doubt it, but that influence could prove to be one more tasty ingredient in their spicy musical stew.
