Many Words On A Short Release: Helen Burns EP

This recent release from Flea may have come out of left field for some fans, but for many (read: Bill and I) it was long awaited. He has had several demos and various songs floating around since the mid-90s, and I had always hoped an official release would happen. One thing that drew me to the Chili Peppers when I was younger was finding out that Flea was a jazz lover and started out playing trumpet, which made me feel like it was a-okay that I was into all different types of music. When I read an article back in 2008 that Flea and Patti Smith were working together, I felt as if Christmas had come early. I couldn't be happier that this release is seeing the light of day. Making it all the more special, all proceeds from the release are going to the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a non-profit music school Flea co-founded in 2001 with Keith "Tree" Barry.

333 is a beautiful track that begins with soulful trumpet playing over smooth bass thumping in the background. Around the 3-minute mark, a wall of electronic, psychjazz sound and fast-paced drum machines erupt, which break way into a perfect piano outro. I think this track really sets the tone for the whole EP, and the varied styles and sounds highlighted throughout.

Pedestal of Infamy has the patient groove of a Gil Scott-Heron or Shuggie Otis song, but with a modern spin. I love the flute and sparse drums, and you can't help but bob your head while listening.

A Little Bit of Sanity kicks off with a driving drum beat courtesy of Stella Mozgawa (also played drums on "Pedestal of Infamy" and toms on "333 Revisited"). The interaction between the bassline, keys/piano and drums are hypnotic.

Helen Burns is a powerful, somber title track and fitting for the character from Jane Eyre in which the song gets it's name (in the book, Helen Burns remains calm in the face of punishment as well as when she falls ill, which Jane admires). The one and only Patti Smith lends her gentle vocals over Flea's soft piano. Another nice touch: around the 35 second mark you can hear what (I think) is a dog rattling it's collar.

Snow falls

She bids farewell

To the source of all her sorrow

Her dress trills as she goes

333 Revisited once again features a beautiful trumpet intro that breaks into an electronic disco beat. The "revisited" piano part at the end is a highlight on the album for me.

Lovelovelove is my personal favorite. It opens with fuzzed out bass, leading into the choir from The Silverlake Conservatory singing an uplifting, heartfelt message. Chad Smith and Jack Irons both appear on drums, along with Tree adding harmonica for a finishing touch to the track.

We're alive just for a while

Soon we'll die

And that will be great

So let's love

Love everything away today

Buy the thing