derek's essentials #14: x - los angeles
 

x - los angeles
"rhino/wea", 1980

Though not as ferocious or hard-hitting as the hardcore punk movement that would follow a year or two later, X's Los Angeles features something that maybe some punk bands do not recall: great songwriting. John Doe and Exene Cervenka make quite the songwriting team, with each other's voice and instruments coalescing in songs. The album has an immaculate flow and makes for a smooth late night listen to one of the darkest punk records there is. My favourite cut of this masterpiece is "Johnny Hit & Run Paulene" which tells the story of date rapist. Very creepy stuff.

It's a shame that this band only have a somewhat small cult following as this is definitely in the upper ranks of the often shit-infested genre of 'punk'. Though to call this album merely a punk record would be an insult.

Great album. My favorite X song is "When Our Love Passed Out on the Couch" though.

Shhheeeeeeee had to leeeave.

solid album with a lot of good songs. They're unique for sure.

I've been in love with X since I saw "Decline of Western Civiliazation". I enjoyed Black Flag and The Germs albums and segments as well, but The X segment really spoke to me, cause they weren't just talking about getting wasted and shit. I guess I could tell they were a bit more thoughtful about thier music, not to mention that the songs were heavy while still being melodic. Still one of the greatest live bands I've ever seen perform.

Billy Zoom is probably the greatest punk guitarist ever (who wasn't in the Stooges anyway)

Definitely.

yeah it's between him and Greg Sage for me, both amazing punk guitarists.

this album is amazing, my favourite is the ninth track, which for some reason the name of which has escaped me (can't be bothered google-ing it either). But the whole thing is just sweet as.

Bryan Gregory owned all.

When i'm in the right mood to listen to Los Angeles, it's one of the greatest albums I can think of. But I do really have to be in the mood for it.

yes! such a good album.