Redd Kross - Researching the Blues - Album Review

 

If I had one wish in the world it would be that Redd Kross would make more records. After 15 long years away the band has finally released Researching the Blues which is their first album since 1997's Show World. Their 10 song collection of bubblegum pop meets punk rock is one of the best records of the year. The band knows a thing or two about writing songs with fantastic hooks, sing along choruses, hand claps and enough pop culture references to make your head spin. They have always had an ability to infuse elements from the 60's and 70's into their music while at the same time creating their own distinct sound.



The record starts off with the title track "Researching the Blues" which comes at you like a speeding 76' Vette. It's a straight forward rocker with choppy guitars, heart pounding drums and screaming vocals. All of this and a retro sounding wah wah guitar solo make for an unforgettable first track. By the end of the song you are exhausted and begging for more.

The best track on the record is "Stay Away From Downtown" the cautionary tale about the dangers of the city. Imagine if The Partridge family decided to play punk rock and you'll get the vibe of this song. The harmonies, chorus and "sha la la's" are all Redd Kross signatures. If I was to pick one song that represented the "sound" of the band I would pick this one. Check out the video below.

The song "Dracula's Daughters" doesn't sound anything like the title might imply. It's a sweet song and as close to a ballad as anything the band has recorded. It comes across as a very "California" sounding song like something the Beach Boys or The Mamas and the Papas may have recorded during the height of their popularity.

"One of The Good Ones" is a another strong track from the album. The song takes a stripped down, minimalistic approach using a Velvet Underground-like guitar riff with accompanying hand claps to create a melody that gets stuck in your head after the first listen.

Vocalist/Guitarist Jeff McDonald wrote the song "Winter Blues" about how much he loves the summer and mild winters of sunny Southern California. The track is a perfect example of how Redd Kross can take subject matter as simple as a sunny day and craft it into an amazing two minute pop song.

Jeff and Steve McDonald have been recording over for over 30 years. They started as teenagers and have managed to continuously make great records. With each album I always feel like that they could make it huge with just a little push from radio. Their songs are so infectious and the melodies are so catchy that it's impossible not to be drawn in by them. I can only hope that one of these new songs can get them the recognition they truly deserve so we won't have to wait another 15 years for a new album.

Track List:

1. Researching the Blues
2. Stay Away From Downtown
3. Uglier
4. Dracula’s Daughters
5. Meet Frankenstein
6. One of the Good Ones
7. The Nu Temptations
8. Choose to Play
9. Winter Blues
10. Hazel Eyes

Redd Kross is:
Jeff McDonald – Vocals, Guitars
Steven McDonald – Bass, Vocals
Roy McDonald – Drums
Robert Hecker – Guitars