Sound it Out # 31: Redd Kross - "Stay Away From Downtown"

The brothers Steve and Jeff MacDonald are the core of Redd Kross, who played their first show opening for Black Flag at a middle school graduation party in 1978 (Steve was 11; Jeff was 15). The band quickly became a big part of the LA punk rock scene - their pop sensibilities and long hair made them stand out from the crowd. Their energy and charm made them beloved in nearly any setting.

As Redd Kross matured, they became more and more fascinated with pop culture; they wrote songs inspired by the likes of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, breakfast cereal, and Linda Blair. They had a few major label deals, opening spots for giant rock tours and some radio and MTV play, but somehow never acheived the success of their peers.

34 years after opening for Black Flag, Redd Kross is back with Researching the Blues, their first album in 15 years (out today!). The record is 32 minutes of melody-laden pop/rock, and “Stay Away from Downtown” is a worthy introduction to the band and the new record. Download it below.

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Amy worked in the record business at Enigma, Elektra, Virgin and Sub Pop before she got sucked into the technology vortex. She co-founded the Backwards Beekeepers, a chemical-free urban beekeeping collective in Los Angeles. She runs digital marketing for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and The Hollywood Bowl.

MORE: mp3 • music • Redd Kross • Sound It Out

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lysdexia

I am officially shrieking like a cheerleader!
http://twitter.com/memefilter meme filter

Little known fun fact: Steve (who is a great guy, and played bass on the Tenacious D debut as well) replaced me in vastly underrated Silverlake power-pop band The Green And Yellow TV.
mike vanderheiden

Is that Roy from The Muffs? I used to be in a band with that guy! (not The Muffs)
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692761624 Greg Saunders
  
  Yeah, that’s Roy from The Muffs. The new album is with the same line-up they had on their 1987 album Neurotica. Also, Roy’s still in The Muffs too and they should have an album coming out later this year or early next year.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2X6OHAN7GLVLAIP4QLECKD3NY4 morgane

Je les adore!!!!!
ashypete

Redd Kross has a special part of my brain devoted to them largely because of a chance viewing of Desperate Teenage Lovedolls (IMDB link/ Trailer) when I was “impressionable”. Man, did I love that movie…
http://bbc.co.uk/chinese cycle23

Is there a name for what they do in that sort of cross fade chorus section? Because that’s pretty nice. Very nostalgic feelings here.
http://www.facebook.com/bradmevans Brad Evans

Met the band after they played in Honolulu. Ok. I sorta stalked them and hung out till they left the venue. Really nice guys. AND THEY SIGNED MY COPY OF NEUROTICA!
http://blog.tonypierce.com Tony Pierce

Great interview! The album sounds fantastic.

Redd Kross - "Stay Away From Downtown" (MP3) - Boing Boing Exclusive!

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