Rhino's double-disc compilation MAKE THE MUSIC GO BANG! does justice to representing X, arguably the best American "punk" band ever. The compilation begins in 1978 with early single versions of "Adult Books" and "We're Desperate;" the songs have a stripped-down, New Wave feel, but are characterized by John Doe's superb songwriting and his mesmerizing, angular harmonies with lead singer Exene Cervenka. The set then rips into six barn-burning cuts from the group's landmark debut, LOS ANGELES. Those yet to be electrified by Billy Zoom's high-octane guitar on that album's title track or on "Johnny Hit and Run Pauline" should embrace the opportunity.
The unsettling, minor-key pop of "White Girl" kicks off tracks from WILD GIFT and UNDER THE BIG BLACK SUN (including the razor-edged, lovely "Blue Spark"). The second disc follows X's chronology through the mid-'80s and into the early '90s, when its sound grew to incorporate more overt elements of country, roots rock, hard rock, and rockabilly, with no diminishment in overall musical intelligence, energy, and integrity. True fans will need the individual albums, but as an overview of this brilliant band, and as a one-stop collection of some of its best material, MAKE THE MUSIC GO BANG! is hard to rival.
Audio Mixers: X; Clay Rose; Alvin Clark; Tchad Blake; Tim Summerhayes.
Audio Remasterer: Dan Hersch.
Recording information: Amigo Studios, Los Angeles, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Cherokee Studios, Hollywood, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Clover Recorders, Hollywood, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Golden Sound Studios, Hollywood, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Groovemasters, Santa Monica, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Hound Dog Studios, Los Angeles, CA (??/1978-12/1992); L.A. Studios, West Hollywood, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Rumbo Studios, Tarzana, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Sunset Sound, Hollywood, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Total Access Studios, Redondo Beach, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Whiskey A-Go-Go, Hollywood, CA (??/1978-12/1992); Zeitgest Studio, Los Angeles, CA (??/1978-12/1992).
X: John Doe (vocals, acoustic guitar, bass instrument); Tony Gilkyson (background vocals); Dave Alvin, Exene Cervenka, Billy Zoom.
Personnel: Tony Gilkyson (vocals, guitar); Exene Cervenka (vocals); Dave Alvin (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 6-string bass); Billy Zoom (guitar); Ray Manzarek (organ, keyboards); Patrick Warren, Tony Berg (keyboards); D.J. Bonebrake (marimba, snare drum, percussion); Johnny Ray Bartel (upright bass).
Uncut (p.127) - 5 stars out of 5 - "[M]aking the case to even the most casual listener that X were, except perhaps The Ramones, the most vital band of their era."
not so agressive
I have this cd
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