28th Anniversary of Chili Pepper’s Blood Sugar Sex Magik

September 24, 1991 was a momentous day in rock music. 28 years ago, this day not only saw the release of Nirvana's second album Nevermind, but also the release of the fifth album by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, believe it or not. The band's previous release, Mother's Milk, had been their most successful to date, even getting them some serious exposure with their cover version of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground". However, the Peppers still felt something was missing.

Hiring producer Rick Rubin proved to be the key to capturing that missing ingredient. Rubin had already proven himself with his track record working with Beastie Boys(License To Ill), Slayer(Reign In Blood), The Cult(Electric) and Run-DMC/Aerosmith's collaboration of "Walk This Way", among others. The band wanted an uncoventional setting to record in to enhance their creative energies and Rubin suggested the mansion once owned by magician Harry Houdini. That at least explains the "Magik" of the album's title.

With Rubin's production prowess and his ability to bring the best out of the band members(singer Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea, plus recently added guitarist John Frusciante and drummer Chad Smith), the stage was set for an album that hopefully couldn't fail. It was indeed a massive success, introducing the band to recognition worldwide and critical acclaim. Highlights include first single "Give It Away", Kiedis's tale of how drugs negatively impacted his life, "Under the Bridge", "Breaking the Girl", "The Righteous and the Wicked" and of course, "Suck My Kiss".

Happy Anniversary, RHCP! Thanks for providing the musical soundtrack for my first trip to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras! Ahhhh, memories...