Are the Red Hot Chili Peppers one of the greatest bands of all time?

I can't think of anyone more overrated than Nirvana. I am not a particular fan of the Foo Fighters, but I would definitely take them over Nirvana. Personally, I think Nirvana sucks

 

i highly recommend Anthony's book Scar Tissue to any RHCP fans out there. highly entertaining read - plenty of interesting tidbits on his drug addiction, early days with flea, and music production

 

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Greatest guitar solo of all time in the beginning of this song.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAe3NxFx44E

 

A plan based on a band, a band based on a plan..... how anyone can say old chilis is unlistenable is beyond me.

 

Just because they were overrated by the hype that came along with them doesn't mean they didn't put out good music IMO. Not the biggest follower of Foo Fighters either, but the albums I've listened were meh.

 

No, Grizzly Bear is one of the greatest bands of all time, although many will argue that Animal Collective is much better. I've never really been into Animal Collective much since their music is quite unaccessible. I mean look at Pitchfork. Every release they've had has been rated higher and higher with the most recent release of Merriweather Post Pavillion at 9.6. This is one of the highest ratings ever and I don't believe it is deservedly so. I think this band was created by the elitists who write that nonsense. Have you ever read Pitchfork? Every article is written like a doctoral level thesis. I don't have the time or patience to read lucid drivel like that. On the other hand, I was impressed with the rating Pitchfork Media gave the newest release of Scandanavian art rock megalords, Mew. The album in my estimation is not as great as their last one, but one of the years best. But yes, I do think Brooklyn's own, Grizzly Bear is one of the greatest bands of all time.

 

see dude, you have it backwards... i would venture to say that the folks with the 'serious music' cred appreciate their first few efforts infinitely more than the (mostly) generic poppy stuff they've been releasing the past 10+ years

 

I can see how Foo Fighters get thrown in when mentioning the Peppers, but they're aren't as good. Its weird because they have some songs that are some of my favorite ever, but most of their stuff is boring to me.

The Peppers on the other hand are awesome. Frusciante, Flea and Chad Smith are some of the best at their instrument. John Frusciante is my favorite guitarist and inspired me to learn. Kiedis's voice has improved too over the years and his energy has always been great for a frontman.

Are they in league with Zeppelin and the like? Probably now, but they're one of the best in the last twenty years or so. Its weird how people like their stuff, but they're so underrated. They're tied with Radiohead for my favorite all-time band. Of course Zep is close too, but thats just me.

 

up there with Stones, Zepp, Beatles, etc? Of course not. However they are in the top bands of their generation(s)...there's no denting that. The test of time is the premiere measuring stick, imo and they have withstood that. You can still play Californication, Under The Bridge, Suck My Kiss, et al and get the crowd singing along and feeling the music. That said, I don't know if that'll be true 30 yrs past the fact.

Hendrix, Zepplin, Stones, Beatles, Pink Floyd, et al have eternal songs that'll be good or have been good for multiple generations of music and, as such, are legends of music. I don't know if RHCP reaches that level. That said, I do know that I have enjoyed the heck out of their music up to this point. Blood Sugar Sex Magic is a music/rock classic no matter the critics...

 

You see, I think 30 years from now their music will still be popular. Consider everything put out over the last couple of decades. I agree that we'll see with time, but I think it will only validate it further.

 

Here's a classic interview with Flea and AK.

This is during the heat of their drug experimentation, especially speed balls.

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Chad Smith is very underrated as a drummer.

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I like RHCP, but I don't know if I would consider them an all time great. They certainly have the longevity though, and an original style.

 

You could pretty much say the same thing about Grizzly Bear since I'm sure 95% of those same "elitists" are fans of them as well.

 

I'm pretty much a BSSM-only fan, when it comes to the chili peppers. It was definitely one of my favorite and most-played albums during my "formative years," so it will always hold a special place.

The album was good as a whole, but it also had five badass singles. Hard to even remember when bands I was into had that many good and popular singles off of one album...times have changed.

Oh, and "Soul to Squeeze" and "My Friends" were also awesome songs. Never really rated any of their other albums very highly though...too inconsistent. Their early stuff was a little too campy for my taste. Their newer stuff, a little too safe and mainstream.

 

No.

I like some of their stuff, but not enough to pay for it or even tempt the RIAA lawyers.

 

Oh man, Uplift Mofo Party Plan....what an AMAZING album.

Did I have some good times in high school listening to that album....

And yes, I haven't liked anything after Blood Sugar. It's really like they are 2 different bands. Pre and post Blood Sugar.

I still really get off to Chad's playing though.

 

I actually really dug Californication, By the Way, and Stadium Arcadium.

I think RHCP has managed to at least put out decent music over the past 3 decades. Not many bands can claim that.

 

I heard Flea is doing some work with Radioheads frontman, Thom Yorke.

INFO

 

Yeah I heard that a while back too, should be interesting to say the least.