I saw the Peppers open for X in Pomona, Ca. in 1984--a time when most of their current fans were heading for beddy-bye at 8:30 wearing their Smurf pajamas. This was several years before they became a household name and their desire for success was frightening. Anthony Keidis' and Flea's acrobatic madness and mutant frugging totally eclipsed their music and all I can remember was crazy screaming naked guys.
When you live in southern Cal, alot of times you don't even need to buy an album to hear most of it, because of all the airplay--and that's the kind of fan I've always been of the Peppers. Sounds good on the radio, no need to buy the CD. Now I live in southern Utah--where you have to buy the album, and I strongly suggest that you do.

This is the original lineup, reportedly free of their customary back-monkeys. John Frusciante's return has them back in Blood Sugar Sex Magik-form and while it sounds as good as anything they've done musically, Keidis' lyrics are a good bit more thoughtful and worldly-wise. Californication should more than satisfy old fans, and attract a new crop of fans that would like to be a Pepper too.