Michael Balzary, or who we music folk know as “Flea”, released his first solo album yesterday.  I just had my first listen, and I’m still processing it, but it is purely phenomenal, and unlike anything you’d expect.  You can really hear his jazz-influenced background (and, in my opinion, some definite John Frusciante influence) shining throughout.  He tweeted a few days ago, “Helen Burns is not RHCP music, it is not funky, it is not normal songs… It is soundscapes I made on my own at home, it is mostly instrumental.”  It’s also fucking brilliant.

I’ve already tweeted the link, but in case you don’t follow me (which you should…) the album is available for download here, at numerous available prices – including the $0.00 option.  However, all proceeds go to funding for his Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a non-for-profit which facilitates music education to local youths.  For more information on the organization, click here.