Smile from the Streets You Hold
Smile from the Streets You Hold is the second solo album by John Frusciante. The record was released during a time when Frusciante was not performing with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was released in 1997 on Birdman Records, while Frusciante was still addicted to heroin.
Recording
Many songs from Smile from the Streets You Hold were recorded when Frusciante was still with the Chili Peppers and are from the same period as his previous solo album, Niandra Lades and Usually Just a T-Shirt.
In a 1997 interview with Guitar Player, Frusciante claimed to have maintained active communication with the spirit world during the album’s recording phase:Rotondigic, James. “Till I Reach the Higher Ground.” Guitar Player, November 1997.
The late actor River Phoenix, a good friend of Frusciante and the rest of the Chili Peppers, is featured on two tracks, “Height Down” (originally titled “Soul Removal”), and “Well I’ve Been” (originally titled “Bought Her Soul”). Both songs were supposed to be released on Niandra LaDes, but were pulled by request of Phoenix’s family.
“More”, “I Can’t See Until I See Your Eyes”, and “Estress” were recorded directly to cassette on a boombox. Frusciante’s poor health is apparent in his voice.
Release
Frusciante had Smile from the Streets You Hold and his first solo album, Niandra Lades and Usually Just a T-Shirt, removed from record stores in 1998 after rejoining the Red Hot Chili Peppers because he felt uncomfortable with them being available to the public. He is quoted as saying that he released Smile from the Streets You Hold for drug money. Niandra Lades was eventually re-issued and Frusciante has promised he will one day re-release Smile from the Streets You Hold.
There is also a second print of Smile from the Streets You Hold available. Including an extended/edited version of “Life’s a Bath”, the title song “Smile from the Streets You Hold” is split in two separate tracks. Another difference between the 17-track version and the 18-track version is that on the former, John can be heard taking a hit from a bong on “For Air”.
Track listing
- “Enter a Uh” – 8:06
- “The Other” – 1:34
- “Life’s a Bath” – 1:18
- “A Fall Thru the Ground” – 2:24
- “Poppy Man” – 1:21
- “I May Again Know John” – 8:48
- “I’m Always” – 2:33
- “Nigger Song” – 4:15
- “Femininity” – 2:35
- “Breathe” – 6:21
- “More” – 2:07
- “For Air” – 3:55
- “Height Down” – 4:00
- “Well, I’ve Been” – 3:06
- “Smile from the Streets You Hold” – 5:09
- “I Can’t See Until I See Your Eyes” – 1:30
- “Estress” – 2:17
