Good as Gold (CD - 1983)

Recording information: Automatt.

Good As Gold was a giant leap forward for New Orleans' Red Rockers after Condition Red. No longer satisfied with being merely Clash imitators, they moved towards a more accessible sound while maintaining their punk edginess. Good As Gold is quick and tight power pop, fast paced (most songs clock in under four minutes), lean, and consistent from start to finish. The opening blast "China," with its bouncy rhythm and catchy chorus, deservedly became a modest hit. The title cut follows in that vein, a cautionary tale on the trappings of materialism. The highly danceable "'til It All Falls Down" could have been a club hit, but during the synth-pop era probably it never had a chance. Red Rockers voice their political concerns on "Change the World Around" and "Home is Where the War Is," the latter tune a ringer for early U2. With nary a false step in its 36 minutes, Good As Gold was a terrific record that pointed to a promising future. ~ J.P. Ollio minimize