Hi friends, welcome to Peanut Gallery. Every Wednesday here at MusicOlogy, we'll be presenting two classic albums from the same iconic band or artist and asking you... the smart, savvy, blindingly attractive Ology readers... to debate amongst yourselves over which record reigns supreme. Individual songs, concepts, music videos, lyrics, album artwork—everything's on the table here, folks. Give us your best argument in the comments section below. We'll announce the winner at the beginning of next week's Peanut Gallery face-off.
Last Week's Winner:
We pitted Nirvana's post-Nevermind masterworks, In Utero and MTV Unplugged In New York, up against each other in a battle to the... well, not death, but something definitely painful. Well, it was an extremely close match (the way we like it), but with 4 votes to In Utero's 3, it looks like Kurt Cobain & Co.'s acoustic swan song takes home the proverbial prize this week. Let that be a lesson to you, potential iconic rock bands: never ever let Steve Albini produce your second album. Just play a bunch of somber unplugged songs instead-- you'll be aces.
This Week's Match-Up:
Red Hot Chili Peppers' two commercial blockbusters Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) and Californication (1999).
Produced by Rick Rubin, the Chili Peppers' Warner Bros. debut was a massive hit in the fall of '91, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and selling 15 million copies. Ditching most of Mother's Milk's heavy metal grit, the album allowed guitarist John Fruscinate to flourish, delving into acoustic balladry ("Breaking The Girl," "I Could Have Lied") while layering nuance-filled, adventurous six-string arrangements over Flea's funky, prodigious bass work and Anthony Kiedis' typically sex-obsessed vocal acrobatics. With its five hit singles (and unforgettable videos), Blood Sugar Sex Magik reigned as the Red Hot Chili Peppers' crowning creative achievement for years. At least until….
Classic Songs: "Suck My Kiss," "Give It Away," "Under The Bridge," "Breaking The Girl" and "Sir Psycho Sexy."
…John Frusciante's return to the fold on Californication brought the Chili Peppers back to critical and commercial favor after the 1995's disappointing One Hot Minute, recorded with a miscast Dave Navarro on guitar. Produced again by Rick Rubin, the album is a sonically rich, spiritually adventurous tour de force, touching upon the band's trademark funk-rock stomping ground while delving boldly into spacious, arena-ready pop with soaring, instantly classic melodies and a newfound sense of lyrical gravitas from Kiedis. With 16 plus million sold, Californication remains the Chili Peppers all-time best selling album and one of the all time greatest "comeback" records in rock history.
Classic Songs: "Scar Tissue," "Californication," "Around The World," "Otherside" and "Parallel Universe."
Okay, ladies and gentlemen... it's in your hands now. Hit up the comments section below and let us know why Blood Sugar Sex Magik or Californication deserves to be declared the greatest Red Hot Chili Peppers album of all time.
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Gabriel Hayes:
Californication. Although, I wish that they did one of the special tours where they do a few nights in a city and playing an album live front to back each night for both of these albums
June 15, 2012
Bernadeta Venckutė:
Blood Sugar Sex Magic. I think it really shows the roots of the Chili Peppers. Those funky lines speak for themselves and are all masterpieces. It doesn't mean that I don't like Californication, it's just that I find it stronger emotionally than musically. So yes, Blood Sugar wins.
victoria sebring:
really? i'm starting to not like this game... its harder and harder every time. damn it - dont make me choose! hmmm.... my vote is going to the "melodic side"... californication. it was indeed a great comeback album- (bonus points)
June 6, 2012
Anthony Schneck:
Alright. Once again, you've really FUCKED everyone by forcing them into an impossible choice. And yes, I know I suggested you go ahead and go with this. But dammit, it's not right! My introduction to the Chilis came through Californication, but I think BSSM is the most complete realization of their artistic project. Since we're talking about personal preference here, I'm going to cast a vote for Californication, even knowing that there are days I much prefer Blood Sugar. Already regretting this choice.
June 6, 2012
Brian Waite:
You guys are stupid. Californication all the way.
emberley neidhardt:
Californiacation! Tough choice, to be sure, and it may just be because I was of just the right age to absorb it at the time. To compare just the "classic songs" to each other is beyond difficult, but I think it's a better sit-down-and-listen-through album.
June 6, 2012
Jeff Zohn:
Blood Sugar Sex Magik. they're both great albums but I'll take the Funky Monks of Blood Sugar over the poppier Californication. also both have great cover art
June 6, 2012
Mark Bellomy:
I hate to pick nits but I believe the Chili's records were all major label releases. That said, I still own my copy of "Blood Sugar" from back in the day and give that album my vote. Mainly because they still held on to their early hard funk sound with only some foray into "alterna-arena" rock. I can't say the lyrics have aged well. Some personal politics, but really it's Kiedis either talking about his dick, or how cool he and his band are.
June 6, 2012
Katie Persichilli:
This is too tough because RHCP is one of my favorite bands and everything they do I love. Buttt the deciding factor here is that Scar Tissue is one of my favorite songs of all time so I'm going with Californication.
Comments (11)