Year: 1983
Label: No Future
Format: CD, LP
Tracks: 14
Time: 33 min.
Genre: rock
Style: Oi!
Started
late 1979 and disbanded in 1984, Red Alert recorded a demo tape (never
issued) and some EP's until december 1982, when the band recorded this
debut album. Paradoxically this is their most successful, famous and
economical profitous album, but at the same time, also probably their
worst one in many senses: quality sound, poor production, low technical
level and a some kind of songs too much typical, foreseeable and "amateur". However
in 2016 a record label issued the same album with its: outakes, demos,
singles, etc. on CD and LP format, which you can to buy it HERE .
Discogs , Download , Download
"blood, sweat'n'beers"Year: 1991
Label: Combat Rock
Format: CD, LP
Tracks: 10
Time: 40 min.
Genre: rock
Style: Oi!
After 1984 Red Alert broke up and did not release anything tell this record came out in 1991. Not only is "Blood, Sweat 'N' Beers" a come back album, it started a new chapter with the bands sound. The bands early work with No Future records was a rough tough punk sound that was packed with classic releases. On this record the band keeps the attitude and explores more of a rock sound and even tinkers with some dub music. The band has become more of a street rock & roll band on this release then just the straight ahead Oi! band of their youth.
I know some were a shocked by this direction but if you go back and listen to "There's A Guitar Burning!" this was always the direction the band was meant to go. The one criticism I have of later Red Alert releases and many bands from this time, some of the songs are to long. By cutting a little bit of the fat off a song or two it would have increased the albums tempo and given it more of a punch. With that said, "Blood, Sweat N' Beers" is a forgotten release that is packed with many powerful songs. Possibly an over looked classic that may have been a head of its time. So many Oi! / Punk bands today are mixing in different influences into their music. I have to ask, was this release a precursor to this musical exploration? So when I saw Combat Rock was re-releasing this album with improved art work, I figured it was time for me to take a stab at this dense slab of song writing. I want to personal think Combat Rock for the re-release of this record and I can not wait to get my copy.
Red Alert starts the album with the timeless "Dreams From The Ghettos". With the world being divide even more in to those with everything and those with nothing. This soulful cry for the ones left behind and impoverished may be more relevant today then it was nearly 26 years ago. I have said it on several reviews about Red Alert, Tony Van Frater was the first Oi! guitar hero. On this record he gets to be more then that, He is a true rock and roller. More then just the cool guitar riffs, The bands sound is bigger and fuller then on some of their earlier releases. Totally works on this track and on this album. While "24 Hours In The City" sounds like it could have came from The Clash's "Sandinista" album. It oddly works for me. Steve's voice comes up big on this track. I would not have figured his voice would have worked as will as it does on this song. His raw angst filled bite drives the lyrics straight to the heart. The band sounds as if they have been playing dub / reggae for years. A lot of times when bands try this sound they jamb so much in to the track it runs on forever. "24 Hours In The City" feels shorter then its near 4 minute run length. No fear my diehard friends. If Dub is not your thing Red Alert reminds us they can still bang out edgy sharp punk songs with "One Man's Resistance". unrelenting beats and a rock solid bass line gives this song the tracks it needs to race down. Some sweet guitar leads gives the song the rocking feel Red Alert is going for on this album. A smart stomper that will remind fans were the band came from and show them where they band is going. When I got this back in 1992, I hated "All Her Own Way". I was so angry and fucked up. I had not learned to love anything or anyone. Hell I probably hated myself more then anything. I thought the song was sappy and weak. A mid tempo ballad about loss and a broken heart, no fucking thank you! Now I have lived and loved. I mean that real deep love that leaves a scar when it leaves. you. I hear "All Her Own Way" in a different way now. Yea, the song might be a touch sappy but Red Alert captures the bitter sweetness of it all. One of the bands greatest songs came out of this record with "Riding The Storm". If I had to just pick a handful of Red alert songs to take to an island with me. This for sure would be one of them. This song shows the band can put out some of the best punk music you have ever heard. On the bands second full length release they pushed their sound, kept their message on fucking point and nailed a classic record. I know some people reading this are saying this record is not for them. But if you trust my opinion at all, check this record out. If you love The Business, Angelic Upstarts and Red London This record and this band is right there with those bands. A fucking must get record for me. If I ever get to see the band again I want to hear "Back To The Wall" so I can sing that glorious song with all the passion I have. God I fucking love that song. For fans of: Angelic Upstarts, Red London, The Clash, Chelsea, Sham 69 or The Jam.
Discogs , DownloadI know some were a shocked by this direction but if you go back and listen to "There's A Guitar Burning!" this was always the direction the band was meant to go. The one criticism I have of later Red Alert releases and many bands from this time, some of the songs are to long. By cutting a little bit of the fat off a song or two it would have increased the albums tempo and given it more of a punch. With that said, "Blood, Sweat N' Beers" is a forgotten release that is packed with many powerful songs. Possibly an over looked classic that may have been a head of its time. So many Oi! / Punk bands today are mixing in different influences into their music. I have to ask, was this release a precursor to this musical exploration? So when I saw Combat Rock was re-releasing this album with improved art work, I figured it was time for me to take a stab at this dense slab of song writing. I want to personal think Combat Rock for the re-release of this record and I can not wait to get my copy.
Red Alert starts the album with the timeless "Dreams From The Ghettos". With the world being divide even more in to those with everything and those with nothing. This soulful cry for the ones left behind and impoverished may be more relevant today then it was nearly 26 years ago. I have said it on several reviews about Red Alert, Tony Van Frater was the first Oi! guitar hero. On this record he gets to be more then that, He is a true rock and roller. More then just the cool guitar riffs, The bands sound is bigger and fuller then on some of their earlier releases. Totally works on this track and on this album. While "24 Hours In The City" sounds like it could have came from The Clash's "Sandinista" album. It oddly works for me. Steve's voice comes up big on this track. I would not have figured his voice would have worked as will as it does on this song. His raw angst filled bite drives the lyrics straight to the heart. The band sounds as if they have been playing dub / reggae for years. A lot of times when bands try this sound they jamb so much in to the track it runs on forever. "24 Hours In The City" feels shorter then its near 4 minute run length. No fear my diehard friends. If Dub is not your thing Red Alert reminds us they can still bang out edgy sharp punk songs with "One Man's Resistance". unrelenting beats and a rock solid bass line gives this song the tracks it needs to race down. Some sweet guitar leads gives the song the rocking feel Red Alert is going for on this album. A smart stomper that will remind fans were the band came from and show them where they band is going. When I got this back in 1992, I hated "All Her Own Way". I was so angry and fucked up. I had not learned to love anything or anyone. Hell I probably hated myself more then anything. I thought the song was sappy and weak. A mid tempo ballad about loss and a broken heart, no fucking thank you! Now I have lived and loved. I mean that real deep love that leaves a scar when it leaves. you. I hear "All Her Own Way" in a different way now. Yea, the song might be a touch sappy but Red Alert captures the bitter sweetness of it all. One of the bands greatest songs came out of this record with "Riding The Storm". If I had to just pick a handful of Red alert songs to take to an island with me. This for sure would be one of them. This song shows the band can put out some of the best punk music you have ever heard. On the bands second full length release they pushed their sound, kept their message on fucking point and nailed a classic record. I know some people reading this are saying this record is not for them. But if you trust my opinion at all, check this record out. If you love The Business, Angelic Upstarts and Red London This record and this band is right there with those bands. A fucking must get record for me. If I ever get to see the band again I want to hear "Back To The Wall" so I can sing that glorious song with all the passion I have. God I fucking love that song. For fans of: Angelic Upstarts, Red London, The Clash, Chelsea, Sham 69 or The Jam.
Year: 2005
Label: Violated
Format: CD, LP
Tracks: 12
Time: 40 min.
Genre: rock
Style: Oi!
Discogs , Download
Year: 1999
Label: Rhythm Vicar
Format: CD, LP
Tracks: 12
Time: 40 min.
Genre: rock
Style: Oi!
Oi! band formed in Sunderland around May of 1979 and disbanded late 1984. Red Alert come back to activity in 1990 and since then, the band has remained more or less active. The original line up
was: Steve “Cast Iron” Smith (vocals), Tony Van Frater (Guitar), Gaz
Stuart (bass) and Dona (drums). Self released a four track EP entitled
“Third And Final,” which had been their demo, in an edition of 250
copies. This EP was re-released in mid 90s on french label
"Combat Rock". After 20 years and several albums of simple Oi! music of average quality and a sound like a lot of bands of the same style, Red Alert recorded this wonderful masterpiece entitled "Wearside" in 1999. Personally I think that is definitely the best album of all Red Alert discography. It is pure and simple punk, yes, but they added another musical influences suh as hard rock or classic rock, besides in the very original and powerful guitars (also keyborads, chorus, bass guitar, etc.). Red Alert even play a Guns & Roses cover "Night knockin heavens door", originally written by Bob Dylen. Almost nobody knows this album, most have heard the "We've got the power", like myself at the beggining... but I had the good fortune to run into this marvel. I strong recommend to listen to this album without doubt or to buy it directly HERE .
"breakin all the rules"Year: 1996
Label: Dojo
Format: CD, LP
Tracks: 12
Time: 40 min.
Genre: rock
Style: Oi!
Discogs , Download
Year: 1994
Label: Knock out
Format: CD, LP
Tracks: 12
Time: 40 min.
Genre: rock
Style: Oi!
It seem this most unknown Red Alert recordings became in their best one. First time I bought "wearside" (1999) and I had a big surprise because the songs sounded better than ever and the musicians played better too than their early recordings. This "drinkin' with Red Alert" is not really a new album but a compilation of two EP's and issued with different song list, bonus tracks, live tracks, extended versions, etc. through also different record labels. But in 1994 Red Alert recorded again all these songs with a very good technical level and better studio conditions than 80s decade. The band show us here they way to make good Oi! music including elements of hard rock, piano, acoustic guitars and more melodic voice and chorus. Excellent
(This download link here below, doesn't includes the bonus tracks)
(This download link here below, doesn't includes the bonus tracks)
Year: 2004
Country: UK
City: London
Format: book
Author: Stewart
Label: KOB
Theme: biography
Great book writen by Kid Stoker from Red London and that talks about the complete story of Sunderland's finest Oi!sters Red Alert. Tons of photos, cuttings, funny stories, discography, biography, etc... from these Sunderland lads. At last the Red Alert story can be told... The Sex, the drugs, the lager, the punk rock nights, the lager, the filth, the fury, and even more lager. One of England's finest bands in words and pictures. The Complete history of one of the few remeining bands from the original Oi! scene of the early 80's. The book includes City Invasion, a day by day account of a typical Red Alert tour. A free bottle of Becks was intended to be given away with the first 1,000 copies but Steve Smith drank them all... So lock up your pets because Steve Smith is in town... Lock up your drinks cabinet because Steve Smith is in town... Lock up your grandmother because Tony Van Frater is coming... Lock up everything except your money... Buy a copy now or the publishers will send the Red Alert boys!!! Published by KOB books and records.
