CHICKENFOOT

Chickenfoot have become fast established within the scene since their inception in 2008 and the release of self-titled debut album this year. Consisting of virtuoso Ibanez wielder Joe Satriani, ex-Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers sticksman Chad Smith, they perhaps inherently earn the tag 'supergroup', although state in various interviews they plan to outlive the ephemera usually associated with such a label. With some supergroups an axiomatic exercise in musical self-indulgence, Chickenfoot manage to retain their musical integrity though the combined talents of these four men in twelve cuts of quality rock/metal. This, the 'Deluxe Limited Edition', arrives on shelves only five months after its initial release, so what warrants your attention so soon second time around? With the original release already certified gold, the intention of the limited edition re-issue must surely be aimed at many re-purchasing the album. Thankfully, in that case, it has been made worthy of buying again with the inclusion of not only the expected bonus track, 'Bitten by the Wolf', but a 60+ minute DVD chock-full of live performance footage interposed with behind the scenes and studio clips. The DVD begins with the band fooling around (minus Chad Smith initially as, apparently, he's "always late") before they proceed to introduce each of the album's songs in the style of 'Twelve Days of Christmas' (only here, it's sung in harmony as "on the first day of Chickenfoot, Michael said to me..." etc....are they predicting this will end up in many a Christmas stocking?!). Each of the band take turns to offer up short, but insightful, anecdotes about the music in general and the songs' origins, followed by live footage of the actual tracks in the order they appear on the album (some in full, others truncated). There is a discernible chemistry and sincerity between the four men in their on-camera interactions and discussions about the music, as there also is in the performance of the songs in the live clips. In fact, I've witnessed Chickenfoot first-hand at Sweden's Rockweekend festival this Summer and can vouch for the entirely unpretentious, fun vibe they convey onstage. This also comes across on the DVD with some incredibly well shot footage from various shows/festivals earlier in the year (all in anamorphic widescreen for those who care about that sort of thing). The glossy cardboard packaging, while smart enough, is perhaps not so 'deluxe' and in the absence of too much written info, there's a cheeky link printed inside "to access the deluxe limited edition digital booklet" in pdf format with no password access, rather a free-for-all URL. Still, it's a minor complaint and I can recommend this release for the DVD alone although, of course, first-time buyers can experience the delights of the album with fresh ears. Let's hope Chickenfoot stick around for a while. Recently winning "Best New Band" at the prestigious Classic Rock Magazine awards, it seems every incentive is there for them to do just that.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

earMUSIC

Album

CHICKENFOOT - DELUXE LIMITED EDITION

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

62:10 (CD)

RELEASE DATE:

9th Nov 2009

TRACK LISTING

CD:
1) Avenida Revolucion; 2) Soap on a Rope
3) Sexy Little Thing; 4) Oh Yeah
5) Runnin' Out; 6) Get It Up
7) Down the Drain; 8) My Kinda Girl
9) Learning to Fall; 10) Turnin' Left
11) Future in the Past; 12) Bitten by the Wolf

DVD:
Behind the Scenes, Studio & Concert Footage

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

USA

"With some supergroups an axiomatic exercise in musical self-indulgence, Chickenfoot manage to retain their musical integrity though the combined talents of these four men in twelve cuts of quality rock/metal."