Customer Reviews

Freaky Styley

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This absolute gem of an album, released in 1985, and produced by the godfather of funk himself - George Clinton, is a masterpiece in the Peppers' discography. George Clinton could not have been a better individual to work with at the time. The Peppers' high energy and Clinton's funk vision is definitely a magical combo of music. You got to hand it to a band such as the Chili Peppers, who have tackled several genres and styles of music; and still keep it fresh; now matter what direction their music goes in next.

Before they were international superstars known for their soothing, mellow and soulful ballads, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were four poverty-stricken L.A punks making some of the funkiest music known to man. In the spirit of P-Funk recordings from the 70s, Freaky Styley is laden with springy bass lines, funkdafied guitar, and edgy, uneven drum grooves. Far from accessible, Freaky Styley is nonetheless an interesting, unique, and extremely original white-boy funk album.

The most intriguing prescence on the album would most certainly be guitarist Hillel Slovak, whose funky guitar dominates almost any track, lifting all of them to new heights. Tracks such as "Hollywood" and "Jungle Man" are guitar heavy, with super-charged funk-laden riffs that are as musically complex and interesting as much of John Frusciante's work. His noodling will no doubt be respected by listeners of all ages and backgrounds, even if it's not necessarily their kind of music. The virtuoso bassist Flea has some interesting pieces here as well, but don't be expecting any of his genius that comes through on Mother's Milk or BloodSugarSexMagik. He was surely one of the most talented bassists of the eighties, but he had yet to come into his own as a songwriter, as some of the basslines are repetitive and are consistently dominated by the outstanding guitar; Slovak and Flea are both extremely talented, but don't have the chemistry that the Frusciante-Flea team display.

Anthony Kiedis also had yet to become the lead singer he is today, his voice has very little range on this album, and his lyrics are seriously undeveloped. Tracks like "Catholic School Girls Rule" are fun, but will leave the listener wanting more after five songs in a row witht he same lyrical content. His charismatic and confident voice however, makes up for many of its shortcomings, and he definitely connects with the rest of the band. Cliff Martinez gives very strong work here as well, easily rivaling anything current drummer Chad Smith has done over the years.

If you've heard Californication and By the Way and are looking for some of the funkier Chili Peppers, I would suggest starting with BloodSugarSexMagik. If you enjoy tracks on that such as "Mellowship Slinky in B major" and "Sir Psycho Sexy," Freaky Styley would be a great second purchase. Drenched in L.A cool, it's a unique, funky and outright weird experience you won't soon forget.

Freaky Styley is the Chili Peppers funkiest album. It does'nt mean its their best but some do think its their best. I enjoy it very much and I think its the most underrated Chili Pepper album out there. George Clinton really helped the Chili Peppers make a fantastic, Funked up album. Highlights are Jungleman, Blackeyed Blonde, Catholic School Girls Rule, and Yertle the Turtle. This album is highly reccomended. Also pick up Uplift Mofo Party Plan, and Mother's Milk.

Freaky Styley is without question not only the funkiest Red Hot Chili Peppers album, but also one of the best funk albums since the heyday of Parliament/Funkadelic. After getting mixed results with their self titled debut, the Chili Peppers stepped up their game musically thanks to the return of original member Hillel Slovak and the strong production by the godfather of funk, George Clinton. Every song is worth listening to, especially Jungle Man, The Brothers Cup, If You Want Me To Stay, and Catholic School Girls Rule. Freaky Styley doesn`t have the strong songs and production of the later albums, but it`s definitely a good old school album.

I have a radio show on ..., and I play reggae, ska, and funk. I have regularly played the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the grounds that they are funk. My station manager thinks they're not funk, and doesn't want me to play them. If anything proves that the Chilis are funk, it's Freaky Styley. George Clinton, the grandaddy of funk produced it. And just one listen to this great album shows you how funky it is. If you like funk, or the Chili Peppers, you've got to get this. Best tracks= If You Want Me To Stay, The Brothers Cup, and Blackeyed Blonde. Only reason it didn't get five stars is that although its very good, it's not the best the Flea and co. could do (for that, see Blood Sugar Sex Magik)

The early works of the RHCP blew my mind. I knew I was hooked before I listened to this cd. Now I'm absolutely sold.

I first bought this on a cassette back in 1985 when it was released. I wore the tape out. Yes, enough playing can do that. I first hear the single "Jungleman" on an independant radio station. I am disappointed that there are other review on here that compare this tape, album, cd, mp3 to anything current by the RHCP. Does any band sound the same as they did 20 years ago? Would they still share the same success if they did. I agree that there is a heavy funk vibe to this cd. I agree that George Clinton might have influenced the band a bit more then another producer might. But it was the 80's and it was a largly trasitional time for music. Name another time that rap, funk, disco, rock, pop, new wave, metal, glam, goth, punk and dance shared popularity prior to the 80's. This is a gem of an album which gives you an idea of the roots of the band. RHCP have continued with the funk. In this album they discovered it. A must have for anyone who is a fan.

The Chili Peppers' second album is best described by the amazing Flea himself.. `Too funky for white radio, too punk for black.'

What we have here is a very entertaining variety of off-kilter, and bizarre pieces of funky rock; but to give you my view on the Peppers in general, so to compare your personal opinion to mine, I think that 'Freaky Styley' 'Mothers Milk' 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' and 'Uplift Mofo Party' are the Chili Peppers most creative, and entertaining albums. This is the Chili Peppers before the extreme funk and experimentation was watered down by alternative and commercial influences. To me, this is more along the lines of what the Chili peppers should have remained.. but of course I am more into Primus and Tom Waits than anything alt pop.

The only downfall to this album is the sometimes immature lyrics. While I don't enjoy the later Peppers music all that much, I do think that they have really evolved lyrically. The production isn't so good either, wich may bother you, but I find it to add personality to this particular recording.

If you are looking for classic Chili Peppers radio hits, then look elsewhere. There is not a radio-friendly song on this album. If you are looking for something weird, funky, and fun, then I would say that you have found it..

This CD is excellent. I was a diehard chili peppers fan since I got Californication, and I gradually bought the older CDs. I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, I was afraid it might have a sort of garage-band sound. But Freaky Styley is crazily funky. My personal favorites are If You Want Me to Stay (Sly & the Family Stone cover), Jungle Man, American Ghost Dance, and Catholic School Girls Rule. Anthony's rapping vocal talent is highlighted here, as is Flea's excellent bass work. But you have to like the whole chili pepper sound, not just their new rock songs, because it is a totally different sound. If you like funk rock at all, buy this CD!

These alternative rockers usually only dabble in funky
rhythms when they can but here on their George Clinton-produced
second album the Red Hot Chili Peppers swing into full funk
mode,complete with Clintonesqe arrangments,JB guiatrs and horns
and {cute} Isaac Hayes like raps.But don't let that make you think
this has high lyrical importance-it's just four young guys having
a good time-nothing more.But on tracks like "Jungle man",the hit
"Hollywood",the beat-heavy tital track,"Brothers Cup" and a big
handful of others this is one of the only 80's post-punk bands
who succeeded in releasing an album that NEVER takes it's eyes
off the one.