With the passing of Gang of Four’s legendary guitarist, Andy Gill, modern music’s megastars have shown their appreciation in new compilation album: The Problem Of Leisure: A Celebration Of Andy Gill And Gang Of Four. Red Hot Chili Pepper’s John Frusciante and Flea add their calibre to cover the classic Not Great Men.
The funk flow of Not Great Men was certainly strong in the original Gang of Four track, but the Chili Peppers’ cover is undeniably a Frusciante and Flea funk reimagination. Frusciante’s guitar tones and Flea’s bass slaps makes the great sound of the original – dare it be said – greater.
The intrinsic telepathy of the Frusciante/Flea alliance – something rarely heard in the past decade – produces an excellent homage to Gang Of Four, and acts as a solid album highlight. The outcome is a sound reminiscent of a live Chili Peppers’ improv. The inclusion of The Silverlake Conservatory Youth Chorale on vocals is a nice touch, and something that the Chili Peppers have used to great effect in the past.
For fans of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this release will have them chomping at the bit for the first record with guitarist, John Frusciante, since 2006. Perhaps this funk-focused sound will be present in their upcoming album, due for release later this year.
9/10
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