The Improbable? Hardly...

So Slate jumps in with an interesting article on the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Do they tell us anything we don't know? No, but they make some comments that I have to say caused me to think a bit. On how the peppers have survived for 23 years (?!? has it really been that long?):

How exactly did these perennially shirtless himbos—pioneers of the most wretched fashion statement in pop history, the tube-sock-sheathed penis—become respected elder statesmen, the most durable rock act this side of U2?

In part, they did it by accident.

HA! That is kind of classic. Of course he lays it on Anthony's limited vocal range which may be true, but the man does a lot with a little (and there are far worse offenders than he).

My favoite line?

...Kiedis' broad, surfer-dude rapping was a novel sound—crude and grating, but novel—and it proved far more popular than the styles of fellow travelers in the L.A. punk-funk scene, such as the ska-infatuated Fishbone. (Many of us have never forgiven the Chili Peppers for reaping the success that rightfully belonged to Fishbone, one of the truly great rock bands of the '80s.)

I say again: HA! Now, in all fairness, Fishbone must bear some of the blame: they have been at best uneven and at worst supremely disappointing since their earliest efforts. They often break my ♥ (and I have always said I would get a Fishbone tattoo if I was gonna ever get a tattoo... that or the Green Lantern logo).

Regardless, I have long loved the Chili Peppers and miss my old 'Positive Mental Octopus' tshirt more and more everyday.