Search - Red Hot Chili Peppers :: Fortune Faded 1

The returns

Michael Stack | 01/24/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This single is like the comeback of songs that were left behind in the past.
The single starts out with the title track, Fortune Faded, which was the first song they wrote for By The Way, back in 2001. It was meant to be their big hit for their still unnamed album, but the studio version did not quite satisfy them. In case you've never heard the old versions, the main differences are different (less) backing vocals by John, a different melody in the chorus, and no acoustic guitar. I personally like that version better, but the new one is still good.
The second song is called "Eskimo", and it was originally recorded for their 2002 album, By The Way. The song, which is one of their strangest with John playing a light guitar melody, a heavy distorted guitar chorus and even a harpsichord, and Flea playing the trumpet apart from his bass, is slow, but it has a very heavy chorus. It's definately worth a listen, but after many I have already gotten sick of it.
The last track is also the oldest, Bunker Hill. It was one of the first songs written (in 1998) for Californication. The recording is from the album recordings, in 1999, and they didn't like how this one came up, either. Unlike Fortune Faded, this version is untouched, and it's, in my opinion, the greatest b-side of their last about three singles."

Great b-sides

Michael Stack | North Chelmsford, MA USA | 09/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Fortune Faded" was the single release from the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Greatest Hits" compilation, and was issued in two parts. THis one contains two non-album tracks.



"Fortune Faded" is an odd little piece, with the sort of funky beat that was missing (not necessarily a bad thing) from "By the Way" and a suitably esoteric lyric. But on this single, it's really "Eskimo" that's the gem. A bizarrely arranged piece with a tense verse featuring upper register guitar work and a manic chorus, it really is one of the best songs in the Chili Peppers catalog. "Bunker Hill" is a decent funky rock tune that also deserves listen, though it feels a bit anticlimatic after the unnervingly superb "Eskimo".



All in all, this is an extroardinary single, well worth digging up. Recommended."

Perplexing.

Collin L | Los Angeles, California | 07/31/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first version of the Fortune Faded single (released with red writing, instead of blue). The song can be heard, otherwise, on the RHCP Greatest Hits assemblage and Live In Hyde Park (for a live interpretation).



The song itself is a strange little number that is fairly funky, but mostly melodious. The lyrics are what really catches you, though, as it tells a tale of insightful anecdotes and interesting events. This would have to be up there in the best unreleased tracks.



The b-sides for this version are really well worth the digging-up. "Eskimo" is an inexplicable song that sounds superb. Pure bliss, if I do say so myself. The memorable chorus has many different things going on at once, which really set this song apart from most. A genuine jewel.



"Bunker Hill" isn't half bad either, but when you compare it to the greatness of "Eskimo", it simply can not live up. It, unfortunately, leaves you with an empty felling--unsatisfied.



Positively Recommended.

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