Customer Reviews

Condition Red

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I WAS THERE! That show was out of this world. I enjoyed both bands, the openers and the Red Rockers. The cops were pricks as usual, busting up any thing that resembles a punk show. A friend of mine's band played that venue quite often so I was at that spot a bit. It was starnge for a band of their caliber to play there, I think it was called the ....ummm I forget, too much acid. Anyway they were very Clash like with jumping into splits mid air with their gits and leather clad bodies. Great tunes, good energy and from what I can remember a very good show.

In my eyes and ears, this is,one of the best, albums ever recorded.It is a timeless,classic lp, that you can, never get tired,listening to

My word is that this album,is one of the best records ever made.It is timeless,and a classic,I could listen to it every day

Is this punk? I'm not sure. It's not straight rock. I've always called it the American CLASH. And do not confuse this album with their albums they did after this. This is their first album. Their second album had some radio hit called like, 'China Girl' or something. After that they went even more commercial and ended up fizzeling away. However, this album is a crystal gem. Every song is a winner. They did do a 7" before this album so that could be what the extra trax are, I'm not sure. That 7" was and is quite rare.

This album is not speedy hardcore. It's very American sounding to me. A bit like the PAGANS but less snotty. They do a cover of a JOHNNY CASH song to perfection. They're a bit like RANK and FILE but less country, in fact, not country at all. Very strong song writing. Maybe a bit like X without a female vocalist. They have total confidence and the music tells ya that there was no record company producer who contorted their sound to fit radio airplay. That came with the second lp.

My sad story is that they did, from what I can tell, one U.S. tour like 1980 or so. They played in San Diego but some horrid metalish band opened for them and I wanted to spare my ears so I hung outside. The cops chased everyone off and I didn't go back, foolishly. The good news is my friend endured the tacky opening band and got to enjoy the RED ROCKERS' set. I still don't hardly know what they sound like live. One can only wish. Meanwhile, take my recommendation, as ever, give the samples a listen from the Internet here and let yer own ears tell you what you think. I consider this to be a sorely overlooked classic album. ps, TAANG Records is on the verge of releasing a 2xCD version of this record with bonus tracks. I'll buy it immediately. Any elaboration on this record, and making it easily available again, is a very good thing. chrisbct@hotmail.com

In the early 80s the greatest band to imatate the Clash were...Stiff Little Fingers! However, the best Amercian Clash soundalikes were the Red Rockers. Combining traditional US hardcore with the sound created by Strummer & Jones "Condition Red" is one of THE most sought-after punk classics. Best moments: "guns of revolution", "teenage underground", "can you hear" (the best song) and a punked-up version of "Folsom Prison blues" (with guest "yahoos" & "ehaws" by Jello Biafra!). The bonus track are a good B-side plus five live songs with better-than-expected quallity. Unfortunately after this LP the Rockers went to a major label and became a Flock O' Seaguls soundalike!