John Frusciante is - and some might debate this fact for various technical reasons or personal biases, of which I am, of course, guilty of as well - the best guitarist who has ever lived. Gaining mainstream fame as former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist, his work evolved from a quick-fingered, technically talented punk plucker to an astronomically inventive and eclectic musician who didn't so much play the guitar as bend it to his will. His guitar work spans nearly the entire gamut of frequencies six strings can possibly produce, and Frusciante has always been keen to jump on the modulation wagon to kick the creative vibes into the next stratosphere - and why not. The man is pure and absolute talent, born to play guitar. Alright, so enough with the Frusciante love. I'm a fan, clearly. His new EP Outsides dropped earlier this week, and in classic Frusciante style it's simultaneously outright mindblowing in its inventiveness and its strangeness. Two of the three tracks - "Breathiac" and "Shelf" - are quite a bit more experimental (still good though) but it's the opening 10:21 track "Same" that really catches your breath and refuses to give it back. This track is basically an extended and awe-inspiring guitar solo, and In Frusciante's own words, "is a new approach to the form of the extended solo...Throughout the last few minutes of the solo, the guitar is being treated by my modular synthesizer and its 64 step sequencer, receiving many triggers from a modded 606 drum machine...This song gives new life to the long ago popularly discarded form of the extended rock guitar solo, and is also progressive synth pop, just the same." I know 10:21 of a vocal-less guitar love-fest might seem intimidating, but give it a try. Pre-orders of Outsides are currently available through Frusciante's website. Anyone who reserves a copy will receive an instant download of a bonus song called "Sol." If you're a fan, don't skip this one. Vintage Frusciante at its finest.
John Frusciante