In 1992, I was really beginning to be a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I had liked them for a few years, but more at a distance, admittedly.
Then, they came out with Blood Sugar Sex magic, which I think is probably one of the top two or so albums released in the decade by anyone (along with U2's Achtung Baby). And that's saying something, because the 90's were filled with great artists and great albums. But Blood Sugar Sex Magic really was just that good.
Suddenly, I was not just liking the Peppers at a distance, but became a big fan. And I remember them playing on Saturday Night Live.
Now this performance was regarded by many as a dud. Anthony Keidis even likened it to a placekicker missing a clutch field goal with a huge game on the line.
Maybe.
And yet...
And yet, I actually rather like this version, and always have. Never understood why so many people trashed it, including the band members, apparently. It even accelerated them parting ways with John Frusciante. I realize that they sound off at times, especially early in the song. But man, it just gets better as it goes, and just grows in intensity. The ending is a killer. It has a very different, and quite distinctive feel from the radio version that everyone has heard a million times. There's something to be said for it. Must have listened to this particular version dozens of times by now, and it still sounds just great!
So it seemed to me worth it to share this particular version here.
Take a listen and see if you agree.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Under The Bridge Saturday Night Live 1992
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