Josh Klinghoffer - "Bob And The Monster original score" CD

Superb celebration of Bob Forrest's music

Released in conjunction with the superb and moving  documentary on Thelonious Monster front-man (and present-day drug counselor) Bob Forrest, this collection intersperses new Klinghoffer cuts with songs by solo Bob Forrest, Thelonious Monster, and Forrest and Klinghoffer's collaborative project, The Bicycle Thief.

Opening with the plaintive and minimal Klinghoffer guitar ode, "Phone Call", this fine album is a celebration of Forrest and his heartfelt, literate indie rock. Thelonious Monster's "Try" is wavering, poetic, and soulful 90s indie-style, while Forrest's solo classic "Sammy Hagar Weekend" is a tongue-in-cheek celebration of the hedonistic rock & roll lifestyle which Forrest himself once subscribed heavily to. 

Klinghoffer's cuts are predominantly minute-long guitar textures linking the more serious "songs" here, but the whole album is a rollicking good time. Forrest's songs are passionate and catchy indie rock of the first order, and close friend Klinghoffer (who is also currently guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers) proves a perfect accompaniment for this showcase of Forrest's great music.

I dug this one all the way through.

Acetate Records

Josh Klinghoffer fan site

Bob Forrest Music

"Bob And The Monster" DVD (director: Keirda Bahruth)

Great look at rock redemption and the power of music

In the making for over 6 years, this stunning documentary focuses on Thelonious Monster founder Bob Forrest and his journey, from the untamed and beyond-control excesses of his rock wildman days to innovative rehab counselor. In-between, we are treated to numerous interviews with Bob's friends and musical collaborators (including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fishbone, Guns 'N Roses, Jane's Addiction, and Hole members, among others). 

There's an extensive bio of Bob's journey from his happy childhood to his out-of-control addiction that nearly cost him his life. There's tons of rare footage of Bob's days fronting Thelonious Monster, onstage and off, along with candid interviews. If this were the heart of the movie, it would still be a top-shelf rock bio. But where many rock bios of this nature end tragically, "Bob And The Monster" is full of positive energy, redemption, and hope. 

Bob's current place in the world isn't taking rock to excessive highs (though he is a world-class songwriter still), but in assisting those in need. Indeed, Bob Forrest has been saving lives through his unconventional programs. His experience with addiction has made him a sympathetic and knowledgeable drug rehab counselor for those with little hope. His distrust and avoidance of pharmaceutical "cures" for chemical dependency is wise and prudent. "Bob And The Monster" is a superb film for anyone interested in the rise, fall, and rebirth of a gifted individual. In short, this is a beautiful film that I can highly recommend.

Shaker Films/MVD Visual

Bob And The Monster site

Bob Forrest Music

John Frusciante - "The Empyrian" CD

Frusciante's day job as guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers may be his best-known gig, but it's far from his finest work. When he's not touring or recording with mates Anthony, Flea, and Chad, John rounds up a few (other) friends and releases often wildly-disparate solo recordings. His latest, recorded from 2006 to 2008, combines his ever-growing sense of melody and pop songwriting finesse with his predilections for out-there sonic explorations. 'The Empyrian' is a modern-day psychedelic masterpiece, with narcotic, drifty textures and woozy, mellow arrangements. His lulling and starry cover of Tim Buckley's transcendent 'Song To The Siren' is apt and well-done, and 'Unreachable' is a trippy and floaty rock song packed with space and depth. 'Dark Light' begins introspective and ambient before transforming into an inspirational pop song (perhaps the closest to the RHCP he gets on this fine album). Other tunes are tuneful and flighty ('Heaven' is sweet and nicely orchestrated).
Frusciante's become a wholly confident and infinitely stronger songwriter since his rather embarrassing early albums (the result of a very horrific drug habit long since banished). 'The Empyrian' is the culmination of years of experience, and this is the sound of a man who's seen life from higher highs (and lower lows) than most of us rightfully should. He's a worldly-wise head with a need to move beyond mind and body, and this album is perfect for such space travels. (Record Collection)

John's personal site