Episode #22: Deep Dive into Californication

On the 22nd episode of Hot Cakes from a 90s Stan, Dov takes a close look at what he considers the last great album of the 1990s, Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. After giving a detailed history of the events leading up to the album’s completion as well as the writing/recording process, he discusses the success of the album, its significance to him as a fan, and its legacy as a personal triumph for the individual members of the band. After the monologue, Dov is joined once again by his buddy Alejandro Castillo. In addition to bantering back and forth regarding their many opinions of Californication, the two of them talk a stroll down memory lane as they reminisce on their decades-long tenure as super fans of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The second part of the interview includes Dov and Alejandro grading each song on the album as either Red Hot (really really great), Hot (solid), Lukewarm (meh), and Chilly (not good). While they agree on the grades for most songs, there are certainly moments of bitter contention. 

 

Timestamps:

Introduction: (00:00)

Turbulence of 1997-1998 (03:38)

John Frusicante rejoins the band: (08:44)

Writing and recording of Californication (12:08)

Music and lyrics of the album: (16:33)

Commercial & critical reception: (26:40)

Legacy of Californication: (31:16)

Interview part 1 (shooting the breeze and talking all things Chili Peppers): (35:08)

Interview part 2 (grading each song from Californication): (01:12:45)

Outro: (01:46:36)