Considerably older than a large portion of their fans the RHCPs are a neoteric phenomenon. During their 23-year career the California-rockers have escalated in terms of commercial success and musical credentials, with 1991's unforgettable Blood Sugar Sex Magik now considered a modern classic. Since the formation of the Chili's in 1983, the band - in its various ensembles - have produced 9 studio albums, sold 50 million records and performed at countless live venues across the globe. Although the core Chili members are hitting their middle-ages, they remain taut, toned and energetic, both physically and musically.
Stadium Arcadium is a 2-CD, 28-Track album in which the Chili's collectively showcase the funky bass, guitar-heavy, lyrically dexterous and pulsating drum-based combination that has carried them this far. While the double album doesn't particularly deviate from the tried and tested RHCP formula, it is definitely not a steaming pile of unlaundered post-festival pants. For the most part Stadium Arcadium embodies the fleshy, sensual, 21st Century rock sound we've become acquainted and infatuated with; while changes in tone are provided by the trademark low-key, lullaby-esque tunes that effectively punctuate the album. Highly accessible, Stadium Arcadium is a good a place for the uninitiated to become familiar with the Peppers before their next gymnastic vault onto the summer music scene. Okay so there isn't anything especially inventive on the album - it could almost be considered easy listening for a long car journey - the lads, in particular Antony and Flea, remain at the top of their game. Now if only they could be persuaded to bring out a book on aging and perhaps bottle that fantastic energy...
