Caught in the Act
Redgum · 1983
71 min · 15 tracks · traditional folk music
A poignant blend of traditional folk melodies with sharp political commentary reflecting the socio-political landscape of early 1980s Australia.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green) — This track powerfully narrates the experiences of Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War, becoming a defining song that resonated deeply with listeners and highlighted issues of trauma and memory.
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Nuclear Cop — A scathing critique of nuclear policy, this song showcases Redgum's commitment to pressing social issues, blending catchy melodies with urgent political messages.
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The Last Frontier — This track reflects on Australia's history and identity, using vivid imagery to connect contemporary issues with the nation's colonial past, illustrating Redgum's narrative strength.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines folk melodies with political themes, making it distinctive yet cohesive in its message.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo, with some moving from reflective ballads to more upbeat, anthemic choruses.
- The lyrics often address specific socio-political issues, creating a narrative thread that connects the songs thematically.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Beaumont Rag 9:32
- 2 The Last Frontier 4:50
- 3 Brown Rice & Kerosine 2:20
- 4 Nuclear Cop 3:58
- 5 I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green) 5:57
- 6 Caught in the Act 9:20
- 7 Stewie 4:23
- 8 Lear Jets Over Kulgera 3:42
- 9 Fabulon 2:08
- 10 The Diamantina Drover 5:24
- 11 Where Ya Gonna Run To 3:41
- 12 It Doesn't Matter to Me 5:40
- 13 Long Run 3:47
- 14 Poor Ned 3:19
- 15 Raggin' 3:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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