In the case of the State vs Red Hot Chili Peppers, the new platter provides yet more damning evidence of an enormodome outfit going through the motions. Though their ability to turn out something interesting diminishes by the album, the group who once tried to convince us that Catholic school girls rule, continue to sell inexplicably large quantities of this uninspired cack.

The appearance of the new album reminded me of disappointing RHCP live shows of the past, particularly those at Hyde Park and Reading Festival. At both shows Kiedis and co seemed largely uninterested and workmanlike at best. They didn't seem to give the slightest toss about playing to the masses. They took the money and couldn't even be arsed running. Not the slightest sign of blood, sugar, sex or magik on the menu.

But are they the greatest rock exponents of the art of going through the motions?