Redd Kross just released its first album in 15 years, which we honestly didn’t think was going to happen. Researching The Blues (Merge) is as close to our Platonic ideal of what a rock ‘n’ roll record should sound like: punk-rock fury mixed with power-pop hooks and tinged with a fringe of psychedelia. Researching embodies the best of what the band has done since it started out 34 years ago (during the first wave of L.A. punk) and continued throughout the ’80s and ’90s while taking perpendicular approaches to the prevailing trends of the era. In an age where the tenets of genre conventions and the rigidity that once separated sounds and scenes are no longer relevant, Redd Kross returns as prodigal sons. Brothers Jeff and Steve McDonald, Roy McDonald (no relation) and Jason Shapiro will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand new feature on them.
Roy McDonald: Bill Detamore, president of Pork Pie Percussion, has been making drums in his Canoga Park, Calif., shop since 1987. I’ve been using his services since 1995 and have never looked back. These are beautiful handmade instruments with Bill’s signature inside every shell. In 1997, I bought a second-hand ’70s Gretsch set from former Redd Kross drummer Janet Housden and had Bill transform it into a beautiful black sparkle kit that I’ve toured with ever since, along with my cherished pink-bubblegum Pork Pie snare. He is currently making me a Coke-bottle-green acrylic kit. I can’t wait!!
Video after the jump.
