"Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story": Watch. It. Now.

 

Tim Vega first turned me on to Redd Kross in 1986. We were record shopping at the legendary St. Mark's Sounds and he made me buy "Born Innocent." We then got to see them twice at The Ritz, once as headliners and again opening for the Butthole Surfers. The band was always on my radar right on up to 2013, when I saw them play live again at Santo's Party House. Since 2013, Redd Kross released two more albums, including 2024's self-titled release which was on a number of "best of" lists for the year.

Still, I always just "liked" Redd Kross. I thought their records were good, solid records, but not great records. In 40 years, they never ended up on heavy rotation, except for a little while in 1997 when "Show World" came out. That record knocked me out. It's hard to find a better power pop song as good as "Mess Around." 

 

But after watching "Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story" this weekend, I felt something I hadn't felt before. There was so much I did not know about this band and its leaders, brothers Jeff & Steven McDonald.

I'm sure this has happened to you. One thing--- a fact, an incident, a song, a story, a different point of view ---and suddenly your heart shifts one way or another.

This documentary is essential. If you are unfamiliar with the band, start here. If you love the band, I can't imagine you not loving "Born Innocent." Or, if you are like me, more than a casual fan, but not quite all in, this film may seal the deal. 

The McDonald brothers are beyond engaging. The talking heads do a great job of selling their love for the band. The ever-changing band members are never bitter. And the overall direction of the film is superb. 

Run, don't walk to your nearest streaming service and dial up "Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story" toot sweet. 

I caught it on Night Flight...Plus. 

I feel a Redd Kross binge coming on.