Product Description John Doe, Exene Cervenka, Billy Zoom, and D.J. Bonebrake were critical and popular heroes on the bristling LA club scene of the late '70s to early '80s. With X, the four took a hardcore approach that combined traditional blues, folk, country, rockabilly, and punk rock with a dark lyrical sensibility that reflected the cynical times. X came up from the LA underground and built a dedicated West Coast following. Among the band's biggest early fans was ex-Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, who produced X's acclaimed first album, Los Angeles, for the fledgling local label Slash. After 1981's equally praised Wild Gift, X signed a major-label deal with Elektra, which would release 1982's Under The Big Black Sun and their next four albums - each a raging slab of musical invention that would help sow the seeds of the "alternative" revolution. Produced by The Doors' Ray Manzarek, Los Angeles, X's groundbreaking debut, was all about capturing the spirit of the band's explosive live show. It's among the most influential punk albums of all time - now expanded with five bonus tracks, including unreleased demos and alternate versions. Deluxe booklet includes liner notes, band commentary, photos, memorabilia, and lyrics. .com Though a small handful of its 13 songs predate Los Angeles, X's second album represents a giant leap forward for the band. Wild Gift stands as one of the 1980s' most fully realized rock & roll LPs. John Doe and Exene Cervenka bring altogether more personal and biting lyrics to the mic, making for riveting, curiosity-promoting performances. ("If I wrote a song like 'White Girl,'" Doe tells critic Kristine McKenna in this remaster's liner notes, "there was an unspoken pact that this may happen, but I love you more.") From the metallic riff of "It's Who You Know" to the surf-wise lines of "In This House That I Call Home," guitarist Billy Zoom is given freer rein, while drummer D.J. Bonebrake fuses the Ramones and Beefheart to enduring effect on "We're Desperate" (improved from an early single version by a slight lyric change). And "Back 2 the Base" and "Year 1" stand out as two of the most complex statements about punk's icon-smashing impulses ever. The 45-rpm take of "We're Desperate" is included here, along with six other bonus tracks. Shut up and smoke. --Rickey Wright
R**N
X wild gift
I like to go back and buy some of these old albums. I probably had it way back in the day on cassette maybe I don't remember. But you know sometimes I just miss her in these nice old punk rock songs. It's good hearing them again nice to have some good old-fashioned music. It's accessible for me period and I can play it whenever I want.
A**R
WOW!!
I purchased "Live in Los Angeles", "Wild Gift", "Under the Big Black Sun" and "Los Angeles"; This review covers all 4. I first heard X on the airwaves WAAAYYYY back. Unfortunately, I didnt have the $$ to purchase the LPs/hit the Whisky to go check'em out. So now that I do have a few spare shekels, I decided to pick up these reissues, and I havent stopped listening to them for a couple weeks now on my road trips and they are STILL fun! As in other Amazon reviews, there is no question of all 4 as musicians/artists. John and Exene's vocals do make the sound unique - ya either love it or ya hate it! I love it!
G**N
Rockabilly, Punk, Rock -- Just Great Music
Call it whatever you like -- punk, atomic rockabilly, or whatever, this is what a masterpiece sounds like. It captures a particular moment of 1980-1981 L.A. punk rock from the Beatles of the movement. The era was gone so fast, but was so fertile, if only for a glimmer.
D**D
X-cellent Songs
For me, this remains the best album that X ever recorded. I always liked the sound of the band; punk energy combined with a pop sensibility, and the unique vocal interplay between John and Exene, and Johnny's guitar, and the rock-solid rhythm section. Simply a magical mix. And for "Wild Gift" I think they really matured as songwriters too, and the songs on here are absolutely brilliant ones. Memorable, tuneful songs, with lyrical depth. This was the one. And with bonus tracks on this CD reissue, it's even more incredible.
D**D
classic
classic
M**Z
Good album. Took a few listens for it to ...
Good album. Took a few listens for it to grow on me.
D**G
I Love X
X is the band that wrote and performed music I wish I could have come up with and I still listen to them often. This band is in my top ten list. John Doe and Exene are like no other duo.
D**Z
Quality Vinyl
Quality vinyl. Clean not overly produced recording. NO snap crackle or pops
E**O
Fantastic seller, and album was mint
The music, of course is Brilliant. Probably my favourite X album. The vinyl is delicious
O**.
These Fat Possum editions are very good
I love the first 4 albums from this band. The Fat Possum editions are uniformly excellent: clean, quiet vinyl. Big sound and for good prices!
J**E
Decent
Original is better
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