Tag: Redd Kross
Redd Kross and Sparkle*jets UK
Redd Kross “Redd Kross”
Jeff and Steve McDonald have been doing their brand of power pop for over 45 years, and have transformed themselves from snot-nosed young punks to elder statesmen who can rock and roll all night (and party every day!) This new album carries on from 2019’s Beyond the Door and raises the ante. It’s a massive 18 tracks of their most intense and captivating music to date. Pulsating with vitality, crackling with intensity, and chiming with sweet harmonies, it shows a conspicuous dedication to songcraft.
On glam rockers like “Candy Coated Catastrophe” and “Stunt Queen,” the brothers strive for a heavy stadium sound that is on par with their best songs. On poppier numbers, their Beatlesque influences pop through, like “Good Times Propaganda Band” with its swirling bass line. There are simply too many highlights to list, and the band does vent about rockstar life in “What’s in it for you?,” “Way Too Happy,” and “Terrible Band,” which are both catchy and lyrically interesting. However, the band doesn’t slow down the tempo or tone much. Even power ballads like “The Main Attraction” build up quickly to loud harmonies. Still, this remains a triumph and gets a nod for inclusion in my year-end top ten list. Highly Recommended.
Sparkle*Jets UK “Box of Letters”
Sometimes the stars align with a power pop band that hasn’t been heard from in a while. After 2002’s Bamboo Lounge, it looked like the band was done. Even though the album was planned and recorded in 2006, bad luck prevented it from getting finished. But the band got back together for last year’s cover collection, Best of Friends, proving that magic was still there. The core lineup of singer-guitarist Susan West, multi-instrumentalist Michael Simmons, and bassist James Knight are joined by Joel Valder (drums) and Tisha Boonyawatana (keys, vocals). They all sound like they’re having fun here.
Opening with a cover of The Zombies’ “This Will Be Our Year,” it’s a richly layered tune with many impressive sonic details. “Goodbye X3” and “Love Burn” showcase Susan’s vocal personality perfectly, and then we get the Jellyfish-like “Princess Needy” with its bouncy chorus and the disco break midway through. More highlights include “I Can’t Wait for Summer,” a beautiful Beach Boys pastiche, and the title track “Box of Letters, ” a grower that builds on sweet nostalgia and is so catchy. Plenty of gems are sprinkled here, and other than the ‘80s lounge pop of “Where’s The Moment,” it’s all killer, no filler, and highly recommended!
Redd Kross and The Junior League
Redd Kross “Beyond the Door”
One of the great power pop bands, Redd Kross is back with an eighth album, and they are truly timeless despite the seven-year wait since 2012’s Researching the Blues. The band has been around for 40 years (!) but now has updated its line-up; the McDonald brothers; Steve (bass) and Jeff (vocals) with drummer Dale Crover and guitarist Jason Shapiro. Just remember, the McDonalds started Redd Kross by opening for Black Flag at a middle school graduation party in 1981. And today the sound still rocks; harmonious rock and roll somewhere between Cheap Trick and The Jellyfish.
They open with “The Party” which grooves like a lost song off The Austin Powers Soundtrack, but it’s based on the theme to a 1968 Peter Sellers film. “Fighting” is where the brothers excel, with loud driving guitar riffs and a catchy chorus. The band delivers more gems with the Kinks-like psyche-pop of “Ice Cream (Strange and Passing)” and “Fantastico Roberto.” The party atmosphere continues with “The Party Underground” with swirling guitar solos. It’s tough to find a favorite here since every tune hits its mark. It ends with a cover of Sparks “When Do I Get To Sing “My Way” and it too is glorious. Highly Recommended, and an easy pick for the top ten list of power pop for 2019.
Extra: Redd Kross is funding a documentary on the band. Check it out at www.reddkrossfilm.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl4BtWCgvT0&feature=youtu.be
The Junior League “Adventureland”
Joe Adragna is back and he continues to impress under the moniker of The Junior League. His latest LP Adventureland starts strong out the gate with “Heavy,” led by thick guitar riffs that carry you away, and thick synths of Scott McCaughey (Minus 5) keep it coming on “Have Faith In Yourself.” The feel is very similar to The Posies, Tommy Stinson or Bob Mould.
It shifts into bubblegum rock territory with “Falling In Love,” and with Tammy Ealom’s backing vocals it bounces along like a lost Tom Petty rocker. Joe’s riffs are direct and there are plenty of melodic rocking gems here. “Queen of the Dead” is a standout that will stick in your head, and “Town in a Box” is almost Nirvana-like with its heavy-pounding chords. “Delete and Repeat” adds a sugary sweet chorus to the dense guitars. Overall the songs are short and sweet, but most of all they are meant to be played loud. Highly Recommended.