Life in the Key of Songs

[songs-4life]

It was announced today that John Frusciante would rejoin the Red Hot Chili Peppers for the third time. As soon as I found out, I had a moment of complete and utter disbelief.  Ever since my cousin introduced me to their music as a child, I was hooked. Can’t Stop was one of the first songs she gave me for my old mp3 player...

I remember laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, headphones on, and listening to that song over and over again. You can feel how tight the band is on this track especially. Starting with the gradual buildup of Flea and Chad Smith bouncing off one another at the beginning; then adding John Frusciante’s classic twang guitar riff; finally Anthony Kiedis starts firing off the opening verse. The energy is felt throughout the song. Then, the chorus brings a holistic sense of being into view:

“The world I love The tears I drop To be part of The wave, can't stop Ever wonder if it's all for you?”

Since really diving into the Chili Peppers’ discography in my teenage years, Mr. Frusciante’s return was something I always dreamed of, but never thought would happen. His personal troubles and struggles with addiction over the years were well-documented.  Rather than thinking of a reunion, I worried more about his own personal well-being. In the meantime, I listened to as much RHCP as possible. I listened to all of his solo work. I saw them play on three occasions. The first time I saw them was at Ottawa Bluesfest in the summer of 2016. At some point in high school, my best friend Evan and I made it our obligation to see them play live. I got the passes to Bluesfest and we embarked on the journey with one goal in mind... to get as close as possible for the @chilipeppers​ show.  

We were in line by 11:30am...the gates didn’t open until 4pm and RHCP wouldn’t take the stage until 9pm. Being in Canada, we had no international service on our phones, no food, and no water as we waited... It began POURING rain - we also had no change of clothes or ponchos. As soon as the gates opened at 4pm, we got through and sprinted to beat the rest of the crowd to the front. We ended up at the rail, about 15 feet from the stage. We successfully made it to the front for Bluesfest’s largest crowd ever (40,000+). I can still remember the chills that went through my spine as each song started throughout the night. 

At that point in time, the band was comprised of Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer.  They had just released The Getaway, and were touring for that album, which was their second with Klinghoffer on guitar. 

After that show, I saw them again in Buffalo that following February with my brother, cousin, and friend. And then again, my brother and I saw them together in Ottawa in June 2017.  

I was completely immersed in their performance each time I saw them. But there was still a sense of “What would it be like with John Frusciante.” I thought that I would never get to experience the legend that is John Frusciante in person. 

Then, this happened....

Now, I ‘Can’t Stop’ thinking about the summer ahead...

[songs-4life]

different strokes hit different folks, but i’m starting up this blog in order to put together some of the songs in my life that really hit me when i hear them. i’ll add some detail into what it is that sticks out and you can chime in as well :)

With the title being a reference to Stevie Wonder, i’m leading off with the hit single from that masterpiece of an album.

“Sir Duke” (Songs In The Key of Life, 1977) The first time I heard Sir Duke, I was transported. That’s the power of a very good song - and it probably won’t be the last time I say that in terms of future songs to come - but when you hear the pep and zest behind the opening notes of Sir Duke, it’s hard to be in a bad mood. 

With the song’s name and composition an obvious reference to Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder transports listeners into the world of jazz. Stevie adds his own pop blend and soulful vocals. The boogie beat and energetic chorus makes you want to jump around and sing along.

I got ahold of this song from one of my cousins (Emily) when I got my first mp3 player. I was about 10 years old and it looked something like this:

I took that mp3 player everywhere with me. My cousins were all older than me, so I looked up to them. When Emily gave me about 30 songs from her computer I cherished them. Sir Duke was one of them. I played that one over and over.