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Under the Big Black Sun
X
Under the Big Black Sun
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

Signing with a major label (Elektra) in 1982 gave SoCal's premier punk/new wave band an opportunity to stretch out musically, leading to the suprisingly roots-rock, at times almost neo-country, flavor of their third album....  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: X
Title: Under the Big Black Sun
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Elektra / Wea
Release Date: 10/25/1990
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
Styles: Hardcore & Punk, American Alternative
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 075596015028, 075596015042

Synopsis

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Signing with a major label (Elektra) in 1982 gave SoCal's premier punk/new wave band an opportunity to stretch out musically, leading to the suprisingly roots-rock, at times almost neo-country, flavor of their third album. Only in a city like L.A. could a cracked boho couple like John Doe and Exene Cervenka combine Hollywood sleaze ("Motel Room in My Bed") and American Indian metaphysics ("The Hungry Wolf") and get away with it. Then again, the same probably goes for the heart-tugging romanticism of "Dancing With Tears in My Eyes" and "Blue Spark." And the catalog riffing of guitarist Billy Zoom and drummer DJ Bonebrake's name-worthy bashing somehow keep it all focused. --Billy Altman

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CD Reviews

This Is What Real Punk Is!
kris darlington | 02/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're under thirty you probably don't even remember these guys, which is your loss, and a major hole in your musical education. This is what Punk Rock as Art was all about, innovation and sincerity without an second of prentention or preachiness. A weird mix of poetic lyrics, tight riffs, and open emotions, with some of the tightest vocal harmonies in musical history. If you're young enough to think that GreenDay, The Offspring, or Blink 182 are what punk rock is all about, this should set you straight unless you're just plain soul dead."
Music as it was supposed to be played
James V Graziosi | Troy, MI United States | 01/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"X remains one of the most underated bands in the history of rock. I can't help but feel exactly as the "Hungry Wolf" describes. We have entered an era of music that reminds me of the 70's arena rock. Pointless and indulgent. CD's like this stand the test of time. It is refreshing to hear music that makes a point and is musically pleasing. John Doe and Exene have put together some poetic songs emphasising an interesting view of relationships. The band has blended punk and rock a billy to create a fresh sound. "Blue Spark" and "Real Child of Hell" showcase the guitar playing of the underated Billy Zoom. I think John and Exene display some interesting harmonies that work like in "How I". When I listen to the "new" alternative bands, I feel they lack the emotion of bands like X. Although I prefer "Los Angeles", this cd is really a piece of work. This cd is a time capsule which displays the attitude of the punk era."
X was never better than this!
Johnny Roulette | 06/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the one that began my love affair with X. John Doe & Exene Cervenka do some of their best harmonizing on this release. The death of Exene's sister led to a punk rarity...there is real personal loss and emotion all over this album. Her tragic loss was, in a sense, our gain. X was never a band to put up much of a front. What you heard and saw was who they were. There was an intelligence and maturity in X's music & lyrics that was(and still is) so very rare in punk rock. There really isn't a weakness on this cd. Riding With Mary, The Have Nots & Because I Do are absolute classics. Start with Under The Big Black Sun and you will, more likely than not, be back for more from the X catalog. Several songs presented here appear on the X Anthology(in one form or another), but the ones that don't cannot be missed. This was the pinnacle for John, Exene, Billy & D.J.. It has not lost an ounce of charm or impact in all these years."