From The Desk Of Redd Kross’ Roy McDonald: The Kids Are Alright

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: In the summer of 1979, I was an awkward, chubby 13-year-old getting ready to enroll into a Catholic high school that none of my other friends would be attending. My parents had a “For Sale” sign on our front lawn. I was about to be torn away from everything familiar. Things were grim. I was already obsessed with rock music and would spend hours listening to albums and taping (on eight-track!) songs from radio stations KMET and KLOS. My favorite bands at the time were the Beatles, the Stones and ELO. I liked the Who, but they weren’t in the top tier of my favorite groups … until I saw this movie. Seeing this film was a singular event for me. Some people never figure out what they want to do with their life. When I laid eyes on Keith Moon playing the drums, my fate was sealed. It was the closest thing to a religious experience I’ve ever had.

Video after the jump.