Behind the Sun

In the summer mood.
Vintage Chili Peppers
"Behind the Sun"- The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Otherside

Every summer I read the same four books. They are considered classics close to my heart. The summer doesn't feel quite complete without reading them. Since August is quickly soaking up the sun and time, it's about time that I've divulged about these reads:

1)I'm With the Band- Pamela DeBarres

This is a decadent look back to a young groupie coming of age in the late 60's and early 70's. Miss P knows how to kiss and tell and this book is full of honest recollections about rock stars sexual escapades. However, Miss P's sincerity shines though out the book and it is an excellent read for lying around the pool.

2) No One Here Gets Out Alive- Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugarman

The story of Jim Morrison's short but powerful life. It's a detailed account of the lizards king rise to fame and also his untimely demise. He really just wanted the world to admire his poetry and not try to grab at his crotch. I read this every summer which sends me deep into a Doors induced depression. At times I think that I am Jim Morrison frolicking in the desert with a Shaman. Other times, I think that Jim lead a fascinating life and we are lucky to have such a transparent account of his life.

3) Scar Tissue- Anthony Kiedis

One of my favourites. I usually read part of this during my annual trip to L.A. There is something about that city that is so fitting to read this post drug and sexual ride of the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman's life. Kiedis tells it straight and at times he has you questioning whether if he is stretching the truth. Keidis has lived life in the fast lane on Sunset Blvd and Mullholland Dr. He is and LA vet and his autobiography is the perfect read to transport you to the land of Californication.

4) Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger

I acquired this book last summer. Something about the title drew me in since last summer I was slaving away on a farm. Catcher in the Rye is a short read and kind of an easy one, but I think if you look under the layers, it is one of the most complex modern day novels. Reading about teenage anarchy is a perfect sun soaked read. Put on some Clash, lie down on a blanket and read to your hearts content.

Venice Queens

Some outakes from the Red Hot Chili Peppers

new visual book:

George Clinton, Flea and luscious AK.

Shiver For Me Now...

There is no way pictures can do this man justice.

Anthony Kiedis

The Rock God who they say

suffers from Iggy Pop syndrome,

which is not at all a bad thing.

One of my fav. vocalists and performers.

He has the stamina of a stallion,

the charm of a snake,

and the body of Michelangelo's "David".

Since 7th grade I've had it bad

and I know that I will always swoon.

Golden God

Oh my. The golden god that is Robert Plant.

I have to admit that in my fondest day dreams, I imagine that he is my father and we ride around in the Led Zeppelin- mobile all through the English country side together...

Anyways, in connection with my favourite vocalist (like Tori Amos), I must bring up my #1 which is Robert Plant. His voice is just pure ecstasy and magic. I don't care what type of music he is singing, whether it's with Led Zeppelin or country with Alison Krauss, his voice is beyond epic. I love him so much, that I am rendered to childlike words, like saying that he is epic. No one can touch him vocally. That's all I can say.

Some other great vocalists that I truly enjoy, in the ranks of Robert, maybe, are:

Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother. The track he does with Slash ("By the sword") is just spellbinding.

Adam Lambert. He has a crazy, crazy vocal range. He is sassy, sexy, glam, and I am so glad he has severed his ties from American Idol.

Cedric Bixler- Xavala from The Mars Volta and At the Drive-In. He is exhilarating. So much energy and power rolled into a sexy Mexican singing machine. Who else can wail like him and sound sexy? Try singing along to "Goliath". Just try.

Pink. She is often overlooked because she is not a diva like Mariah Carey or Beyonce, but she is more real. Pink is quite a powerful vocalist and she is so real, it hurts to listen to her music. She rips out my heart with her emotional singing.

Anthony Keidis. Another overlooked vocalist. I know he wouldn't be on most peoples top list, but he is one of my most beloved. When he sings "Scar Tissue" I feel it. He started out rapping and now has grown into a true blue vocalist. Such a veteran.

And last, not least Julian Casablancas. I didn't realize I was so in love with his voice until he was absent for 4 years and then he release a solo album. It felt so good to hear that wonderful voice on some new tracks. And now I can't get enough. He has such a iconic voice.

Confessions of Sir Psycho Sexy

Thanks Rolling Stone for the great title.

A.K. fierce as always.

I'm almost done reading "Scar Tissue" so

this is commemorative to the completion.

Pretty Little Ditty

Every summer, I feel the urge to re-read "Scar Tissue", Anthony Kiedis's memoir. It's full of drug tales and musical love. The basic love, sex, rock and roll story. I'm not sure why this is a summer must read, but it is. My mind works like this: summer+ sunshine= California. And California + music= Califonication, the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Some music just eludes summer like: Reggae and House, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, The Byrds, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Once the snow clears I'm blasting my summer tunes from my car.

But when the snow is knee deep, I'm listening to some dark tunes, usually metal, hard rock, and Swedish pop, like the Knife, Avenged Sevenfold, H.I.M. Anything Scandinavian.

My musical choices depend on my moods. My moods sadly are controlled by the weather. Thankfully summer is here and thank the stars for the magic of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The above video is a live clip of "Pretty Little Ditty" in 1990. If the one riff sounds familiar, don't be alarmed. Your remember that song "Butterfly" by Crazytown more than a few years ago? Either they "sampled" that riff or stole it. The resemblance is uncanny. Anyways, I'm digging Anthony's dance moves in this video so much. He makes me melt.

Ode to AK

Musical phases are key to growth.

However, some bands/artists are constantly crawling back for more.

This is the case for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, especially AK (Anthony Kiedis).

My love will never die; It will only grow stronger.

The music will never fade; It will only remerge.

Red Hot Chili Peppers days are some of the best.