We all need somebody

A song can be so rousing that it works in any context: a massive arena, a low-ceilinged dive bar, a basement, a bedroom. Plugged in and unplugged. Redd Kross’ “Visionary,” from the band’s fourth album Phaseshifter, released in 1993, is just such a tune.

Written by band founders and brothers Jeff and Steven McDonald, “Visionary” opens with its chorus, as if it won’t wait any longer than it has to to make its demands. Really, it opens with a monstrous riff from guitarists (Jeff) McDonald and Edwar...