Red Hot Chili Peppers
I'm With You

At this point, being disappointed in the Chili Peppers is a little like being a Mets fan - it goes with the territory. The quality of their recorded output has been on a steady decline since career highpoint Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and that was 20 years ago. When I found out that secret weapon guitarist John Frusciante was leaving, and being replaced by relative newcomer Josh Klinghoffer (more on him later), I hoped for a new beginning. Or at least, something better than their last album, the sprawling (and boring) Stadium Arcadium.

I'm With You is that new beginning, but it's also a bit of a letdown. Don't get me wrong, it starts strong: "Monarchy Of Roses" is the hardest, most energetic song the Peppers have recorded in over a decade. Combining pounding drums, distorted vocals, and rapid-fire bass, this is 21st century Chili Peppers at its finest. Follow-up "Factory Of Faith" is a decently funky number too - no complaints here.

Then: thud. "Brendan's Death Song" is the latest in a long line of ballads from the former funk-punk icons, and as usual, frontman Anthony Kiedis' attempts to sound serious are about as solemn as a priest playing pick-up-sticks with his buttcheeks. In fact (as usual), Kiedis remains the weakest link in the band, laying down borderline retarded raps over otherwise semi-decent songs all over the album.

The second weakest link? Josh Klinghoffer, the new guitarist. My God, is this guy boring. I would describe his instrumental style, if only he had one. Most of the time, he remains content to follow the rhythm section around like a lost puppy. Which leaves it up to bassist Michael Balzary (I refuse to call a man in his 40s "Flea," no matter how he colors his hair) and drummer Chad Smith to carry the show.

They do, but barely. At this point, even the talented members of this band are running out of steam. There are a few good songs towards the end of the album ("Even You Brutus," in particular, makes excellent use of the piano), but it's a too-little-too-late scenario all around. I'll always be a Chili Peppers fan - I've followed them this far, might as well see this shit out to the end - but I'll always be a little disappointed, too.