When I first saw the TV advert for this album's release, I was shocked when the voice-over guy said "their first studio album in 3 years".
Has it really been 3 years since By The Way???
But looking back, Uni has flown quickly. I remember purchasing the album in our first year at Lincoln - and I was a little disappointed with it initially, compared to Californication. But after a month or two of on/off listening, it finally sunk in. People complained with By The Way, saying that the 'Peppers had lost their touch, their funk, their funkiness - as most of the songs on it were slow, almost ballad-like.
However, By The Way is another classic and the Red Hot Chili Peppers' latest album, Stadium Arcadium is fantastic.
You should have heard Dani California by now - probably track from both CDs, which is a shame. But the rest of the double CD album is great, with each song flowing into the next, almost as if it is one great Chilis mix.
I purchased the CD myself from HMV - a rare thing for me, seeing as most music I've 'aquired' in the past has been from the Internet. But I thought, seeing as I bought their previous two albums, I may as well purchase this one too.
Download it, legally or illegally; beg, borrow or steal it; purchase it, or whatever... though it is worth adding to any music collection.
EDIT: If you choose to buy it legally, then I'd recommend amazon.