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Named after a key line from the title track of Neurotica, Redd Kross’s fourth studio album, Now You’re One of Us will draw you into the wacky world of Jeff and Steven McDonald (guitarist, bass guitarist respectively).

As a fan, I was a bit obsessed with Neurotica’s quirky papier-mâché doll-headed album cover. Once I took a listen to Neurotica, from Peach Kelli Pop to Janus, Jeanie, and George Harrison, the album would add to my music collection straight away.

[Mother Janet, Jeff, and Steve McDonald, circa 1969]

Redd Kross are drawn to Russ Meyers and John Waters films, and in turn, bands such as Sonic Youth and Mudhoney have been inspired by the band, in all their sound incarnations for nearly five decades.

New to the band? Expect catchy hooks and a 70’s-inspired sound. And speaking of the 70’s, the band appeared with David Cassidy (yes, of the Partridge Family) in the 1990 movie Spirit of ’76, launching one of my favourite college radio tunes, Annie’s Gone.

Redd Kross are the direct link between Black Flag and The Bangles, between The Seeds and Shonen Knife, between the Partridge Family (both the group and the TV show) and L7.

[Jeff and Steven, 1970]

The book, containing a foreword by the Go-Go’s Charlotte Caffey (Jeff McDonald’s wife), is mostly the work of the brothers McDonald, together with co-author Dan Epstein’s occasional chime-in as seen fit.

Redd Kross hail from Hawthorne, California, and got their start in punk rock band The Tourists (started by Jeff and Steven) while the latter was still in middle school. Their first Tourists gig was as opener for Black Flag.

[On hiatus in the Hollywood Hills, 2004]

When the McDonald brothers discovered The Ramones for the first time, Steven is quoted as saying, “This is exactly what we’ve been looking for”.

They also owe a debt of gratitude to KROQ Pasadena’s Rodney Bingenheimer, host of the weekly Sunday night show, Rodney on the ROQ. I too loved to tune in back then to gain an understanding of the connection between bands and pop culture past and present.

[Mid 70’s with Uncle Kevin and Mike Tanaguchi]

Now You’re One of Us is a fun, quirky, and colourful look at this band’s rise to indie rock fame from its humble start in a Southern California suburb to world tours, both as a supporting act and as headliner. Amongst many side projects, they also produced The Donnas’ 1999 album, Get Skintight.

Through Jeff and Steven’s open and honest dialogue, readers will gain an understanding and appreciation of their approach to the band, each another, the recording industry, and their peers. Get ready to go deep down the rabbit hole of American indie music from 1978 to the present, including the band’s juicy, recent self-titled double album release on red vinyl — a serious ode to one of their many music heroes, The Beatles.

Now You’re One of Us also nicely pieces together musicians who have added to the band’s roster and later either moved on to form or to join other amazing bands over the years. From a wacky kidnapping to Michael Jackson sightings in Beverly Hills (driving a beat-up ’65 Mustang, no less!), this book’s 320 pages never falls short of entertaining moments, and offers a sweet glimpse into each brother’s unique personality.

Now You’re One of Us is available on Omnibus Press; CAD $44.95 (at Indigo across Canada); USD $29; UK ₤20.