Even during one of the hottest summers, Red Hot Chili Peppers can help you get through the day with their unique style.

It’s a lazy, hazy, crazy Sunday in NYC. Was that actual rain we got before?!?!?!?!?! Too bad it didn’t come down in buckets cause this town could sure use one of those cool ass storms. And no. We don’t mean the ones that cause tornadoes. But hey. If it’s gonna thunder and lighten, give me a good ‘ole fashioned downpour!

Anyway, enough of that endless summer rant. Onto bigger and better things which is what this is really about. When your down, you can always depend upon a kickass song to brighten the mood. Today well errrr tonight, I felt like some Red Hot Chili Peppers. You just can’t go wrong with RCHP, who’ve been around forever and somehow got passed up for this year’s Rock N’ Roll Hall. Are you freaking kidding?!?!?!?!?! Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante totally rock. Such a shame that the underrated front guitar man with the solid backup vocals left the band. Even if replacement Josh Klinghoffer is good, it won’t be the same.

Still, they’re one of the best bands entering its fourth decade. I can still recall discovering them at the Fairleigh Dickinson, Madison NJ campus radio station, playing renown hit Under The Bridge along with overlooked tracks off What Hits such as Fight Like The Brave, Get Up And Stay, Taste The Pain and one of my faves in good  Stevie Wonder cover Higher Ground. They also ran through Jimi Hendrix’ “Fire” with less fanfare unless you consider the debacle of Woodstock ’99 positive.

Producing big albums Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californication, By The Way and Stadium Arcadium that featured plenty more hits including Breaking The Girl, Give It Away, Right On Time, Californication, Scar Tissue, Other Side, Around The World, By The Way, Zephyr Song, Can’t Stop, Tell Me Baby, Snow (Hey Oh), Dani California and Stadium Arcadium.

What makes RCHP so special is they’re unique style. Kiedis can sing almost any way and the rest of the band doesn’t miss a beat. You can’t account for chemistry. That’s why it’s a crime they weren’t inducted into Cleveland this year. ABBA?!?!?!?!?! You gotta be joking. They better get in next year.

Anyway, here’s another song we’ve always been a fan of called, “I Could Die For You.” Listen to the words closely and I think you’ll agree that they can be about anyone you love. It’s got H-E-A-R-T. Here’s a live version from Madrid. Love the start and funky transition.

RCHP: “I Could Die For You”

Something inside the cards
I know is right
Don’t want to live
Somebody elses life
This is what I want to be
And this is what I give to you
Because I get it free
She smiles while I do my time

I could die for you
Whatchu want to do
Oh this life I choose