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.
Jeff McDonald: 2NE1 (pronounced 21) has been an obsession of mine for the past year. They are the best of the best of the return of the girl group courtesy of Korea. All you have to do is check any of this super group’s singles, all written and produced by the new Phil Spector: Teddy Park. Start with the video for “I Am The Best,” then dig deeper and discover their surprisingly real reality show 2NE1 TV, seasons one, two and three. You too will fall for Bom, Minzy, Dara and their fashionable leader, CL.
Also good for minor bouts of depression.
Video after the jump.
