F. Gentile | Lake Worth, Florida, United States | 07/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We thank the stars, cosmos, planets, moon tides...whatever it was that pushed these four weird people together at that time, and made them produce such crystal-clear genius. If I had to list my 10 fave albums of all time, this would be one of them. It still makes me shake my head in wonder that their collaboration created these songs, this sound, each member true to the sounds in their head, all blended together to make magic happen. They are all incredible musicians, and Exene's poetic lyrics are unique unto themselves. Standing there, in her farmer lady's dress and June Cleaver apron, screaming out her lyrics, sometimes making sounds that make Janis Joplin sound like Laura Nyro. They certainly are not for everyone, just for those lucky enough to "get it." They go from hard-core driving beat,("Because I Do", "Real Child Of Hell") to rockabilly gone haywire, to Mexicali ("Dancing With Tears In My Eyes"), to gut wrenching letters from lonely souls (Come Back To Me"), to drunken anthems ("The Have Nots")...and other songs, that can't be put under any category...all having un-equaled potency. Every time I play "The Hungry Wolf", I am eXhilerated, and left spent, and in awe. John Doe's and Exene's eerie harmonies, her poetry, Billy Zoom's relentless and skillfull guitar, D.J. Bonebreaks innovative, to -the -front pounding drums, they all came together at that little moment in time to create a perfect result. I am not necessarily recommending this to the same people that I'd recommend Judy Garland or Billie Holliday to,(both of whom I also love) you may HATE this band, and have a heart attack in the process. That's o.k. I, and many others, still consider them simply one of the best bands ever, you can list all their ingredients and analyze them to death...they remain an enigma. But, what pleasure they bring. I don't mind growing old, as long as I can still hear their songs."
Punk rock that will make you cry
Reggie Charan | Philadelphia, PA | 06/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought a copy of X's first two albums and absolutely could not figure out what all the hype was about. The lyrics were pretentious, Doe and Cervenka's dual vocals were annoying, and worst of all, for a punk band, X's songs simply lacked the impact of artists like Sex Pistols and Avengers. On Under the Big Black Sun, however, it all came together. A stack of ace tunes, Billy Zoom's rocket-fueled guitar playing, and an emotional urgency (clearly influenced by the death of Exene's sister) left unheard before. This is the sound of the "live fast die young" kids facing adulthood head on and finding out they ain't so tough afterall. X's best record."
Simply put, a rock'n'roll classic!
Paul Minot | Waterville, ME United States | 05/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently bought this on CD after having not listened to the LP for a long, long time. I had forgotten what a wonderful record it is--the lyrics, the songs, instrumental prowess, production it's ALL here. Heartbreakingly beautiful (especially the songs that allude to the death of Exene's sister), yet raw, the album achieves a perfect balance. Whenever you have trouble remembering just what exactly the difference is between pop and rock'n'roll, just put this one on. It's rock'n'roll, the real deal. Great remastering, and cool bonus tracks--especially the fierce live rendition of "How I Learned My Lesson"--mercy!!"
Exene comes forward as the star
Paul F. Doig | chicago il | 06/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first album by this band was awesome raw and defined the LA punk scene -it has it's place. Their second album Wild Gift got all the critics praise and showed that a truly great band can still be edgy and punk one year later. This is their third effort and the times have changed for the band and their fans. Exene's words are powerful and haunting and real. She sends chills down your spine with the thought of God choosing the next one to take this friday"which one will he save for this friday/ you can put him in a fish pond/ and watch him swim around/ then have a catholic dinner."Sheer poetry and grief-she learned to sing on this record too, which changed their sound and probably maked thier downfall as producers couldn't quite seem to capture their talent the way live recordings would after.You should own all of their stuff and I wouldn't recommend this as the first one to get but for this fan it is my most treasured. I grew and cried listening to Exene and Johnie and this took me places at a time other music didn't"
The first x album i ever heard
gillyzoom | Australia | 09/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I Have owned this album on vinyl, first issue cd and now finally on the superb remastered ,recent rhino reissue.What can you say about an album that shows the original line up of the band at their strongest musical point.With one foot firmly in their early punk roots and the other foot firmly planted in their more broader indie/alt style.They manage to cover a lot of ground here from too many road trips with The Have Nots to the manic punk edge of Motel Room in my Head.This is the cd that I recommend to most first time X listners as it gives a perfect overveiw of were the band has come from and we're they are heading.So if you don't know Johnny,Exene,Billy and D.J. you soon will and finally my personal favourite on the CD is Blue Spark that bassline and drums at the intro gives me shivers and don't forget the bonus of eXtra tracks for the die-hard X heads."