Description

Redd Kross – Born Innocent – Cassette

Originally issued in 1982, Born Innocent was the debut full-length release from Redd Kross, a band of suburban L.A. youth punk band fronted by brothers Jeff (guitar, vocals) and Steve McDonald (bass). Aged 18 and 14, respectively, the aspiring punks are aided and abetted here by rhythm guitarist Tracy Lee and drummers Janet Housden and John Stielow as they attack these 16 songs with all the patience of over-stimulated teens and all the subtlety of a slasher flick. It showcases the band’s energetic and catchy blend of punk, power pop, and alternative rock.

The average song length falls below the two-minute mark, during which time Jeff McDonald’s whine is rarely coherent above the clamor of his band’s brutal rock assault. The punk negation of titles like ‘Kill Someone You Hate,’ ‘Look up at the Bottom,’ and ‘Notes and Chords Mean Nothing to Me’ couldn’t be more appropriate descriptions for this music. ‘Solid Gold’ is a slice of dislocated blues while ‘St. Lita Ford Blues’ disintegrates from a stop-start punk party (complete with jubilant screams) to a raucous three-chord blur.

Included for good measure are tributes to both actress Linda Blair (‘Linda Blair’) and serial killer Charles Manson (‘Charlie’ and a cover of Manson’s own ‘Cease to Exist’).

Born Innocent features 16 tracks that capture the band’s youthful energy and melodic sensibilities. The album’s sound is characterized by distorted guitars, driving rhythms, and harmonized vocals. It displays influences from 1960s garage rock and 1970s punk, while also incorporating elements of pop and glam rock.

With its infectious hooks and energetic performances, Born Innocent remains a cult favorite among fans of alternative and punk rock. It showcases Redd Kross’ ability to deliver catchy and memorable songs with a raw and edgy sound.

Though subsequent releases found Redd Kross cleaning up their act, this debut captures them in all their youthful glory; documenting the sound of the McDonalds and company unleashed on an unsuspecting set of guitars, bass, and drums.

Frontier Records 1986

Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic with a small hole in the bar code

Song List
1. Linda Blair
2. White Trash
3. Everyday There’s Someone New
4. Solid Gold
5. Burn-Out
6. Charlie
7. Tatum O’Tot And The Fried Vegetables
8. St. Lita Ford Blues
9. Self Respect
10. Pseudo-Intellectual
11. Kill Someone You Hate
12. Look On Up At The Bottom
13. Cellulite City
14. I’m Alright
15. Cease To Exist
16. Notes And Chords Mean Nothing To Me