The phenomenal worldwide commercial and critical success of the Red Chili Peppers eighth studio album By The Way boosted further interest and reverence for the semi naked Californian rock funksters after the equally popular Californiacation. This deluxe DVD retrospective comprises of their best videos since 1992's compilation What Hits?!
There are fourteen music videos taken from the Chili Peppers last four albums and is a well crafted package, with easy to navigate menus and the obligatory video and audio options. Perhaps the best feature is the informative and often witty commentary through each video, which is a real treat for fans.
The extra features are a treasure chest of goodies that will probably have their most ardent fans foaming at the mouth. The short Meet the Band piece is a good starting point for newcomers but pointless for hardcore fans. Two older videos, the psychedelic but groovy Higher Ground and the bizarre imagination of Soul To Squeeze display the Chili Peppers' distinctive creativity and willingness to explore new ground and challenge bland contemporary styles. A short making of the By The Way video contains interviews with the crew and is full of humorous banter from the group.
However, the piece de resistance of this compilation is an excellent one hour long behind-the-scenes documentary filmed on tour in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand with appearances from David Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Woody Harrelson and even Chris Rock who pops along for a chat.
There is live footage; interviews with fans and interesting talk of the rituals and traditions the band go through before they walk on stage. Plus we get to see Kiedis, who spends a lot of time speaking in a mock English accent, in a wig and moustache walking around the Big Day Out festival in Australia speaking to a largely unknowing crowd about the bands on the bill.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are ready to take the esteemed crown of America's greatest rock band from the much older kings of hedonism Aerosmith, who appear more content these days with making ballads for Hollywood blockbusters. The simple fact is, the Chili
Peppers make great music and have true rock star credentials. When you see them
on stage they show no inhibitions; there is a phenomenal demand for them as
ticket sales of their forthcoming UK tour illustrates.
A brand new live album is due out at the end of the year that will be just as
welcome as this voluptuous collection which is full of sweat, booze and great
music - well worth a watch.
