Cover of Green on Red Scapegoats
De...Marga...

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For fans of green on red, lovers of alternative country and americana, listeners interested in early 90s american rock and country fusion, and readers exploring influential desert rock albums.
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THE REVIEW

I just read and commented on the review of Naked Prey by the "comrade" (and notorious troublemaker of the site) Pinhead; I searched on Debaser for some pages dedicated to Green on Red, a band mentioned by good old Pinello in his writing, and I realize, with great regret, that they are almost entirely ignored. Apart from a very old review of their debut album "Gravity Talks."

We must get to work, dear De...Marga...and remedy the situation immediately.

My choice falls on the album "Scapegoats" released in 1991; with an exceedingly bizarre and ghostly cover that reminds me of my beloved Death Metal.

But the affinities with musical extremism end here (surely many sighs of relief from many); we are faced with a work that overflows, in every single track, with Country music and American Sound. I right away say that it doesn't reach the heights of some previous works, but it is a more than valid auditory compendium for those who want to start getting to know the band originating from Tucson, Arizona. The same provenance as the previously mentioned Naked Prey.

Thoroughbreds Dan Stuart and Chuck Prophet are always securely at the reins of an album that flows by with disenchantment, with absolute pleasure. Ten tracks lasting not even forty minutes. They are helped by Al Kooper's organ, also in production, which is clearly heard in all the songs. There's even a touching harmonica, played by Tony Joe White, which meticulously and classily refines the ballad with a nocturnal gait "Two Lovers (Waitin' to Die)."

"A Guy Like Me" has the honor of opening the journey across the infinite American plains, with Al's trusty Hammond setting the right pace for the other instruments; followed by the delicacy of "Little Things in Life": acoustic guitar and vocals that closely resemble the Neil Young of Harvest. "Gold in the Graveyard" is one of the rare and effective electric moments; dominated by sweaty electric guitars that this time shift the sound towards the Rolling Stones.

A frontier album, of borders, of immense spaces, of desert; which concludes with the wonderful notes of "Baby Loves Her Gun." Simply one of the most beautiful ballads ever written by Green on Red.

Justice is served.

Ad Maiora.

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Summary by Bot

The review highlights Green on Red's 1991 album Scapegoats as a solid entry into the band's catalogue, rich with country and American musical influences. While it may not surpass earlier works, it serves as a great introduction to the Tucson, Arizona trio. Instrumental contributions such as Al Kooper's organ and Tony Joe White's harmonica add depth, with songs spanning delicate acoustic moods to electrified moments. The album is praised for its atmospheric portrayal of vast American landscapes and memorable ballads like 'Baby Loves Her Gun.'

Tracklist Videos

01   A Guy Like Me (02:54)

02   Little Things in Life (03:41)

03   Two Lovers (Waitin' to Die) (03:51)

04   Gold in the Graveyard (03:51)

05   Hector's Out (05:09)

06   Shed a Tear (For the Lonesome) (03:06)

07   Blowfly (03:02)

08   Sun Goes Down (04:22)

09   Where the Rooster Crows (03:27)

10   Baby Loves Her Gun (03:45)

Green on Red

Green on Red are an American band formed in Tucson, Arizona, who moved to Los Angeles and became key players in the Paisley Underground. Led by Dan Stuart with Chris Cacavas and, from 1985, Chuck Prophet, they fused psychedelic/garage roots with country and blues, shaping a sound that anticipated 1990s alt‑country. Key albums include Gravity Talks (1983), Gas Food Lodging (1985), The Killer Inside Me (1987), and Scapegoats (1991).
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