Red Cross* – Red Cross

great record, but discogs has to change release date shown to 1980 not 1981.

An amazing record from a band whose ages range from 11 to 16! Kicking ass at such a young age, it was obvious these guys would go somewhere.

my version has a small-diameter stamping ring instead of a large one, otherwise all else is exactly the same as this version.

Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic Classic

Everything about this screams Hermosa Beach, youth supremacy, and just good fuckin rock n roll tied together with two 12 and 14 year old brothers.

You can hear the I Just Want Some Skank riff Circle Jerks stole from Fun With Connie. lol

Punk rock super group on this EP with members of the jerks and the flag along for the ride on this early Red Cross incarnation. This is easily one of the best records of all time when it comes to SoCal punk/hardcore. This thing is scorching, smoking hot and chock full of hits. The only flaw is that it’s all over much too quickly. I suppose it’s a bit like teenage sex. All passion, enthusiasm, and exuberance but over just a bit too prematurely. They were buddies with Black Flag so I’d have to assume that the “Jealous Again” EP’s brevity had a role in influencing the short running time. When you really think about it it’s kind of scary how many insanely good tunes came from SoCal punk groups. I’d put Germs “Lexicon Devil” single, Red Cross EP as as good or better than any other punk record from the rest of the world. Also “Milo Goes to College”- c’mon these are hits and the equivalent of punk gold records. Californias take on hardcore is the only style that produced punk tunes with super catchy hooks and choruses that you can actually sing along too. I’ve gotten off track. Before you plunk down some pile of dough down on a color by numbers 80’s Oompa Loompa thrash and bash hardcore records that although good are often generic- I’d strongly strongly consider getting this Red Cross EP first. You won’t regret it.

I've waited for years for the reissue of the Joe Nolte demos. It was worth the wait! The bonus tracks sound great, I've dug Rich Brat for years and now I get to hear different versions of my favorites. A somewhat heavier sound.
The live track at the end is a dark sounding tune recorded at the Church. There must have been punk royalty in the room that night.
Studio time paid for with a young lads paper route earnings, totally punk.

A California masterpiece, middle school tiger beat punk. It's a record I put on when I want to feel good.
Beach punk forever!
Now if the brothers could release the Joe Nolte demos.