Bass Players of the World Unite - Redd Kross vrs The White Stripes

Back in 2001 I was convinced the White Stripes had been sent to save Rock'n'Roll. The first 3 records rocked harder then other two piece had rocked before. Garage blues with attitude. They are a package great image and videos as well. The White Stripes are Jack White (guitars, vox) and his exwife and/or sister Meg White on drums. 2001's album 'White Blood Cells' was for me their creative peak (thus far).

'Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground' opens the record, full of attitude, it proclaims the records intention from the get go. 'Hotel Yorba' introduces a slight country twing, pushed along by a distinct Meg beat, its probably my favourite song on the record. Of course 'Fell in Love with a Girl', the first single' is rock classic. It goes on, 16 tracks of 'real' rock'n'roll!

Redd Kross were formed in 1980 by teenage brothers Jeff and Steve McDonald. Its been said that Redd Kross's biggest influence was Saturday morning cartoons and breakfast cereal. They had a love of all things pop culture and of the three chords. Musically they developed and by the time 'Phaseshifter' was released in 1993 they had included a strong 60s psychedelic sound to their music. I saw them at this time playing at Festival Hall in Brisbane. From memory they supported Sonic Youth. They were loads of fun.
So what do the White Stripes and Redd Kross have in common I hear you say...In late 2002 following the release of 'White Blood Cells' in 2001 the worlds most famous bass less band was given a bass fuelled over hall courtesy of Steven McDonald. It was web based free release done with the White Stripes blessing. A deal was struck where they allowed 60 000 downloads. Though its occasionally appears on Torrent sites its relatively rare. He even re did the cover, photoshopping himself into the cover art.


As for the record, its great...subtle in parts, but the bass really offers a lot to the songs. Tougher is one description that springs to mind. This may seem sacrileges to diehard White Stripes' fans but I have problems listening to the original version now. It always fells like something is missing. Anyway enjoy.
Speaking of the White Stripes they have a new record on the way, their first since the disappointing 'Get Behind Me Satan'. It was a predicatable and tame record in comparison to their previous efforts. I'm yet to here the record but the single 'Icky Thump' is a welcome return to form. The single is available for download below.
I've also included 2 sons off Redd Kross's 'Phaseshifter' - 'Lady In the Front Row' and 'Jimmy's Fanatsy'. I actually can't find the CD and I only have these two songs on my harddrive. I'll post the full album (its worth it) when the disc shows up. They played live on July 1st for the first time on over a decade. A great very under appreciated band.

Redd Blood Cells Disc 1

Redd Blood Cells Disc 2

White Stripes - Icky Thump

Redd Kross - Lady in Front Row

Redd Kross - Jimmy's Fanatsy

And lastly Michael Gondry's ('Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind') clip for 'Fell in Love with a Girl' - it's one of my fav clips ...from 2002.



White Stripes
Redd Kross