Dave Navarro

Unsung Masterpieces: Red Hot Chili Peppers- One Hot Minute
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The year is 1995 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are about to release their follow up to Blood Sugar Sex Magik. John Frusciante left the band and was replaced by Dave Navarro. By adding Dave Navarro, the Chili Peppers sound changed rather drastically. The lyrics grew darker, exploring the perils of drug use, depression, grief and many other themes along those lines. Navarro also added a heavier approach with his style of guitar playing. Granted this album was a bit of a detour from what the band had put out with Blood Sugar, One Hot Minute has become an album that with age, has become a true unsung masterpiece in the bands catalog. The history of the making of One Hot Minute is quite the story. Anthony Kiedis had relapsed, thus causing a slow down in the writing and recording of the album. But the end result was something special. Songs like “Warped,” “Aeroplane,” “My Friends,” “Tearjerker,” “One Hot Minute,” and “Transcending” are stellar compliments to a very underrated album.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years listening to the album is that Dave Navarro really brought something  special and different to the band. He brought a different style to the band than what John Frusciante did, leaving a signature mark on the one album he did with the band. Interestingly, One Hot Minute isn’t an album that the Chili Peppers visit often. In fact they have even come out to say that “We don’t really feel that connected to that record anymore. No special reason, not to say we would never play those songs but we don’t feel that emotionally connected to that music right now.” Which is quite sad, considering how good the album really is. Hopefully there will be a time again that they revisit some of these songs.

What do you think of One Hot Minute?

 

Red Hot Chili Peppers- One Hot Minute:

 

 

 

 

Cover Thursday: Dave Navarro (The Velvet Underground)- Venus In Furs

The Velvet Underground is in my top 10 of favorite bands of all time. Lou Reed has always been an inspiration to me in the way he writes music and tells stories through his lyrics. Almost 15 years ago Dave Navarro released a solo album called Trust No One that was really quite good. On this album he included a cover of “Venus In Furs.” This is a different approach to this song than the original, and is quite good. Take a listen to Dave’s and the original, and experience something intriguing. On a side note, Roy Mayorga (Soulfly, Stone Sour, Nausea, Abloom) played drums on this track.

Dave Navarro- Venus In Furs:

 

The Velvet Underground- Venus In Furs:

Album Debate: Jane’s Addiction Nothing’s Shocking vs Ritual De Lo Habitual

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One of the best bands from the early 90’s alternative scene has to be hands down Jane’s Addiction. They were such a bright spot for artistic imagination. Their influence of many genres allowed their music to go beyond the norm. During their brief early career, they managed to release two of the most iconic alternative albums ever, Nothing’s Shocking and Ritual De Lo Habitual.

Nothing’s Shocking is their absolute gem in their catalog. There is something truly spectacular about this album. A good portion of the best songs on the album were written by Eric Avery. Dave Navarro’s guitar playing has always been underrated in my opinion. And Stephen Perkins drumming is always right on. Songs like “Mountain Song,” “Had A Dad,” “Ocean Size,” “Pigs In Zen,” “Ted, Just Admit It,” and the ever overplayed “Jane Says,” are all complete standouts. The entire album start to finish is great.

Ritual De Lo Habitual really took a chance in exploring where the band could go. They really experimented with genres mixing in a bit of funk to their vibe. It’s this album that I think persuaded the Red Hot Chili Peppers to ask Dave Navarro to join the band for One Hot Minute (another unsung masterpiece in my humble opinion). There was also an added element of pop music in the way of really catchy choruses in songs like “Stop!,” and “Been Caught Stealing.” But there are such other great songs on this album like “Three Days,” “Obvious,” Ain’t No Right,” and “Of Course.”

Jane’s Addiction through all their ego trips and break ups have remained one of the most influential bands of the last 30 years. These two albums have helped influence countless bands over the years. The way they kept to their artistic integrity shows how creative they really are.

If I had to pick between these two I’d go towards Nothing’s Shocking. I jut love the purity in that album and the songs. That album has always stood out to me amongst their catalog and holds up beyond them all.

What do you think is the best?

 

Nothing’s Shocking:

 

Ritual De Lo Habitual:

 

By: Brian Lacy