John Frusciante The Will To Death. Release Date : June 22, 2004. Label: Record Collection. Rating: Andy doesn't dig rating stuff. John Frusciante's second solo release reads similarly to his earlier effort, which is not a bad thing by any means. The earlier album might have been a bit more wacky - this one is a bit easier to digest if we're talking about mass consumption. Which doesn't make or break and album per se as far as the quality of the thing, but it's interesting to note anyhow. It all feels like it rolled off the cusp of the 60's and 70's, skipped a few decades, and landed in the effects-laden world of the new millenium. There's so much reverb and vocal echo, but added to so many foot-stomping, long-haired hippie love-in sing-along ballads. Bring on the Cat Stevens and Woodstock, but with that classic Frusciante bippy guitar twang. The last thing anyone wants to hear is a comparison to Red Hot Chili Peppers, so I'll refrain from actually doing that and just say that I much prefer Frusciante's solo work than I do RHCP. I think it's more passionate and creative. But that guitar quality is so recognizable. Good for him for staking his place in the world of rock. No one can ever mistake that for anyone else. The instrumentation itself is quite simple. It's the layers and the effects that add the complexity. And man does he ever love that reverb. He has a startlingly strong voice, very stable and versatile. He shouts here and there, very infrequently, so that always gives a big punch. Other than that, he can sing high or low, depending on the tune. You'd never think he'd have such a sharp voice if you'd ever hear him simply speak, but there it is. Early on, "Time Runs Out" has half a guitar riff that makes me think of "Faith"... yeah, the George Michael song. Heh. Already on the home stretch, the instrumental "Helical" is a bit of a snoozer, but that's really the only down point. There's some pretty ridiculous piano twinkling going on in "Wishing Well." Who does this ever? It's like musical raindrops, it's so scattered but really pretty. The lyrics are a never-ending stream of metaphors. Certainly not a surprise, based on the album title, death or something related to death crops up in just about every song. This is intriguing work, very smart. Yeah, put down your Chili Peppers record for a minute and pick this up instead. Lyric of choice : Really wordy CD, this will be hard to choose. Reasons / There's one for each time cars collide, from "An Exercise" or You never change to fire if you're ice / even if you melt on the table and dry / and that table is burned / and I'll tell you why / 'cause you stayed by going away / and life changes, not you, from "Wishing." Song of choice : "Time Runs Out" and "Loss" are in a dead heat. I can't decide. Don't make me decide! -Andy Scheffler Elsewhere John Frusciante website Published : August 6, 2004.