What makes Red Card by Streetwalkers notable?

Red Card received a positive critical reception, with praise for its robust songwriting and musicianship. The album's standout tracks have since been influential in shaping the sound of subsequent blues-rock artists in the UK, helping to establish Streetwalkers as a notable act during the mid-1970s. Released in 1976, Red Card is Streetwalkers' second album following their debut, Downtown Flyers. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their identity in the UK rock scene after forming in 1974. The album showcases a clearer direction for their sound, moving deeper into blues-rock territory.

How many songs are on Red Card?

Red Card has 9 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Red Card

Streetwalkers · 1976

40 min · 9 tracks · blues rock

A vibrant tapestry of blues-infused rock, blending storytelling with raw instrumentation and spirited vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Run for Cover — This opening track sets the tone with its driving rhythm and compelling narrative, showcasing the band's blend of energy and lyrical depth.
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Me an’ Me Horse an’ Me Rum — This song highlights the band's storytelling prowess, combining humor and vivid imagery that captures a quintessentially British spirit.
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Daddy Rolling Stone — A cover of the classic track that demonstrates Streetwalkers' ability to reinterpret established songs while injecting their own unique flair.
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Decadence Code — The album's lengthy closer encapsulates the band's artistic ambition, featuring intricate instrumentation and a deep dive into thematic complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and energetic performances but lacks the polish of more renowned blues-rock records.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Run for Cover' that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first four tracks.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing the band to showcase their musicianship and improvisational skills.
The lyrics often employ storytelling techniques, particularly evident in 'Me an’ Me Horse an’ Me Rum' and 'Daddy Rolling Stone', creating vivid imagery.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 Run for Cover 5:43
2 Me an’ Me Horse an’ Me Rum 4:01
3 Crazy Charade 5:27
4 Daddy Rolling Stone 3:11
5 Roll Up, Roll Up 3:28
6 Between Us 3:44
7 Shotgun Messiah 4:47
8 Decadence Code 6:36
9 Hole in Your Pocket 3:38

What to play next

Listen next

Vicious But Fair

1977

Go back to

Downtown Flyers

1975

Full Streetwalkers discography Artists like Streetwalkers

blues rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata