ENCORE OF THE MONTH
December, 2023
X
X were an LA based band that didn't have major commercial success but had a major impact on the punk rock, folk rock and Americana scene. They released seven studio albums but it is their first two that had the biggest influence. It is no surprise that both albums appear on credible 'best albums of all time' lists. Los Angeles was X's first studio album and it was produced by the Door's keyboardist, Ray Manzarek. Ray's involvement sort of explains the band's cover of the Door's classic 'Soul Kitchen'.
The album's title track 'Los Angeles' really made a splash. It was included by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame into their '500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll'. If the song sounds familiar but you are not sure why it is probably because the song has made its way into the gaming and TV landscape.
'Wild Gift' was the band's sophomore album and like its predecessor is considered by many to be one of the best albums ever. 'White Girl' is a song on the album that is considered by many to be a classic.
Their record label Slash, released 'Los Angeles' and 'Wild Gift' on a single CD. If you want to get a taste for what this band was all about then I would highly recommend you seek it out. Alternatively, if you want to get a feeling for the band's live performance I would strongly suggest you check out X's album, 'Live at the Whisky a Go-Go', which was made well before the West Hollywood Institution became a pay to play venue.
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