X - The Unheard Music

I know that in a discussion of forefathers (mothers) of punk, X might not often enter into the discussion and that's OK. I bought my first punk record in 1983, so I did not necessarily witness the birth of the genre(s), although in retrospect, I have developed some new appreciation for some of the pioneers (Sex Pistols, Black Flag, The Clash, Ramones). So for me, many of my own personal views as to innovation and influence mainly start in the 80's. Maybe that simply speaks to age, but it's probably more than that.

In my own case, the stuff that got me excited was either hyper-paced or really melodic, with a fair amount of skate punk thrown in for good measure (I think it's a rule to like skate punk if you a. lived in So. Cal b. skated the drainage pipe out behind your house or c. thought "faster is better when it comes to music"). I was three for three! So my list of 80's punk pioneers include Dead Kennedy's, DRI, Dr. Know, Raw Power, Agnostic Front, Suicidal Tendencies, 7 Seconds but leading the pack was the LA based punk band X. John Doe, Exene Cervenka, Billy Zoom and D.J. Bonebrake changed punk forever.

So, on the melodic side of punk, X was a game-changer. Exene and John's vocal harmony, while some might find "off", was the foundation of the band that led the LA punk scene. There was a complexity to X, one not found in peers of their day. Their brand of punk was emotional, political, social and at times challenging. At times hardcore "Real Child of Hell", "Johnny Hit and Run Paulene", "Los Angeles", at times rock "Have-Nots", "We're Having Much More Fun", "Universal Corner" and many times dark and haunting "White Girl", ""Unheard Music" and "My Soul Cries Your Name" but all of the time engaging the listener.

While some may not care for what the band did later in their career, I think their entire body of work is legendary. Take some time to learn about X. Here is a recommended course:

1. Watch "X - The Unheard Music" DVD.

2. Listen to "X - Los Angeles"

3. Listen to "X - More Fun in the New World"

4. Watch "X - Live in Los Angeles"

5. Listen to "X - Under the Big Black Sun"

6. Listen to "X - Make the Music Go Bang!"

X was the complete package. Talented song-writing, aggressive style, haunting harmonies and social awareness.

Go Grab Some X At iTunes