"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. 

Songs Of The Week, 2026: 6/27-7/3

 

Party Out Of Bounds- The B-52's
It's My Life- Tages
Animal Zoo- Spirit
Lucy Leave- Pink Floyd
We Always Come Back Strong- Sam Dees
Time For Livin'- Sly & The Family Stone
If You Let A Man Kick You Once- Corey Harris & Henry Butler

This holiday weekend brought out a lot of bad people. I found out the hard way through social media, that I know a few too many of them. But the good news is, I know a hell of a lot more amazing people than I do shitty people, and for that I am grateful. The losers can take a hike.

It was unintentional, but I love how those last three songs come together.

Your mix is HERE. Turn it up! 

 

"Covered...By A Heat Dome": THE LONG WEEKEND MIX

 

Everyone loves a good cover. And it's been some time since I put together a mix of covers. And I will not claim that the covers on this mix have not been shared here before. But I will claim to have enjoyed them all in this setting.

So when you get back from watching the plate spinners, and the collie that plays "Peg O'My Heart" on the xylophone at the White House State Fair, sit somewhere cool and enjoy the mix.

Be safe everyone.

TRACKLIST 

Barrytown- Ben Folds
Take Me With U- Marshall Crenshaw
I Can't Stand It- The Hotrats
With A Girl Like You- Henry Buckley
Bus Stop- Fountains Of Wayne
Who Loves The Sun- Madison Cunningham & Alan Hampton
Trouble- Mike Viola
Drift Away - The Rolling Stones
A Way To Say Goodbye- Tim Christensen
Come See About Me- The Afghan Whigs
On Broadway- Jimmy Scott
Apples & Oranges- Andy Partridge
Be Nice To Me- Rumer
Since I Fell For You- Bonnie Raitt
Begin The Beguine- Pete Townshend

HERE 

It's Not The Heat, It's The...Okay, It's The Heat!

 

I've lived in NYC my whole life. Whether in Sheepshead Bay or Greenwich Village, at some point during the dog days of summer, if you were outside, you would hear amazing music like this coming out of a car stereo or a boombox.

Stay cool everyone. Let Ray Barretto take the heat!

Izzat Loves

 

A old friend and fellow Todd Rundgren fan reminded me via a Facebook message about a collection of Japanese artists reinventing over 30 songs from Rundgren's catalogue. I had forgotten about this, but I did indeed own it. That collection took me to another collection of Todd covers called "For The Love Of Todd," which like the former from Japan, and honestly most tribute collections, is hit or miss. But the ones that hit were worth the time, like The Spongetones' Jamie Hoover's take on "Izzat Love" originally found on 1974's "Todd" album.

I've posted both for your listening pleasure.

 

Clive Davis, 1932- 2026

 

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