Freaky Styley [EXTRA TRACKS] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 11, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 1985
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording remastered
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B000078DOH
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #42,193 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

With their second album, Freaky Styley, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were still growing into their oversize funkdafied britches. The polished funk-punk-metal-rap hybrid of later albums was still in its seedling stage here, with the group yet to successfully merge those elements. Still, there's a consistent old-school garage feel. Flea's bass lines, normally in hyperdrive, are clipped and springy, like bare feet hopping on a hot Los Angeles blacktop. Lead singer Anthony Kiedis risks sounding like a parody of the vocal styles he's trying to emulate but commands the songs with every variation of bravado his voice can muster. And finally, the merit of this album could stand solely on the talents of the late guitarist Hillel Slovak, who infuses the tracks with resonating harmonics, psychedelic screeches, and righteous riffs. As disjointed and occasionally amateurish as this album was, it was also groundbreaking and captured the undivided attention of the rock world. --Beth Massa

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The godfather of funk lending a hand..., August 23, 2004

By	Alan Pounds "Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Freaky Styley, May 12, 2006

By	John Doe "Andy" (Portland, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Peppers at their Funky best, July 17, 2006

By	Thomas Hoffman "RageAgainstThe Machine444" (America) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.