Song of the Day (4/23/06)

The Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dani California (2006)

You know that song that you hear once and fall in love with? That song that you genuinely enjoy but then the local radio station has to ruin by playing it every hour on the hour for 6 months straight?

For example, Goo Goo Dolls – Iris (1998) or Outkast – Hey Ya (2003).

For me, ‘that song’ is currently the first single from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ yet-to-be-released album “Stadium Arcadium” (in stores May 9th).

I’ve been a fan of the Chili Peppers since I discovered them as a 6th grader about 13 years ago. Back then they were just coming off the success of ‘Under the Bridge’ and ‘Give it Away’. While both are quality tunes that I enjoy to this day, the song that really brought me in as a fan was their tune from The Coneheads Soundtrack, ‘Soul to Squeeze’.

I consider ‘Soul to Squeeze’ as one of the best ever driving-slow-with-the-windows-down-on-a-sunny-day songs. As a contrast, I believe ‘Dani California’ may cause excessive speeding.

The song is similar in style to several of the tracks on 1999’s“Californication” album, which I still need to pick up at some point. A very infectious beat, unique lyrics and rhymes (which is standard for theband), and a lot of energy, all of which go a long way in showing off the band’s musical maturity.

The Chili Peppers go on tour this summer. Hopefully, as someone who has yet to see them live, they’ll end up somewhere near Charlotte.