X (American band)
| X | |
|---|---|
 X 2004 in San Francisco |
|
| General information | |
| origin | Los Angeles , United States |
| Genre (s) | Punk , alternative rock , psychobilly |
| founding | 1977 |
| Website | xtheband.com |
| Founding members | |
| Exene Cervenka | |
| John Doe | |
| Billy Zoom (until 1986) | |
| DJ Bonebrake | |
| Current occupation | |
| Exene Cervenka | |
| John Doe | |
| Billy Zoom (since 1993) | |
| DJ Bonebrake | |
| former members | |
| Dave Alvin (1986) | |
| Tony Gilkyson (1986-1993) | |
X is an American punk band that was formed in Los Angeles in 1977 .
history
X was founded in Los Angeles in 1977 by Exene Cervenka (actually Christine Cervenka) (vocals), John Doe (actually John Nommensen Duchac) (bass, vocals), Billy Zoom (actually Tyson Kindell) (guitar) and DJ Bonebrake (drums). The keyboardist of the Doors , Ray Manzarek , she discovered and produced in 1980 her debut album Los Angeles , which was a minor hit in the California music scene. The follow-up album Wild Gift (1981) was also well received, and Rolling Stone magazine declared it album of the year . Her first albums, which were released on the independent label Slash Records , had a very impulsive rock and roll sound that was reminiscent of rockabilly .
1982 X signed the Major Elektra a record deal to Under The Big Black Sun to publish. The band's sound had changed a bit towards country , but it was still loud and fast. Cervenka and Doe, who were now married, now also made careers in other fields. Exene Cervenka appeared as a writer (with Lydia Lunch, among others ) and with spoken word performances; John Doe has appeared as an actor in films such as Great Balls Of Fire . In 1983 the album More Fun In The New World was released , which had a more radio-friendly sound.
In 1985 X recorded the country and folk album Poor Little Critter In The Road as The Knitters without Billy Zoom, but with befriended guitarist Dave Alvin and bassist Johnny Ray Bartel . In 1986 Ain't Love Grand was released , which again had a harder sound than the previous albums. After the recordings, Billy Zoom left the band and was first replaced by Dave Alvin and a little later by Tony Gilkyson. In the same year there was also a documentary about X called The Unheard Music .
With this line-up, the band recorded an album and a live album, but took a break after a tour in 1989. During this time, Cervenka and Doe's marriage ended in divorce and both released solo albums. Cervenka met Viggo Mortensen while filming in 1987 ; The two were then married for 11 years and from this marriage they have a son, Henry Blake Mortensen. Doe shifted more to country music in his solo work and had a role alongside Beastie Boy Adam Horovitz in the independent film Roadside Prophets . a. in the series Roswell .
In 1993 the band got together again for recordings with the original line-up and released the album Hey Zeus! which, however, did not make a big impression in the music press. X give concerts sporadically and have released several live albums, including 2005 Live In Los Angeles , a recording of an anniversary concert on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of their debut Los Angeles album .
In April 2020, X released another studio album with Alphabetland after 27 years.
Discography
Albums
- Studio albums
- 1980: Los Angeles
- 1981: Wild Gift
- 1982: Under the Big Black Sun
- 1983: More Fun in the New World
- 1985: Ain't Love Grand
- 1987: See How We Are
- 1993: Hey Zeus
- 2020: Alphabetland
- Extended plays
- 2009: Merry Xmas from X
- Live albums
- 1988: Live at the Whiskey a Go-Go on the Fabulous Sunset Strip
- 1995: Uncloggled
- 2000: Live at the Stagedoor Tavern
- 2001: Live at the Civic 1979
- 2005: Live in Los Angeles
- Compilations
- 1997: Beyond & Back: The X Anthology
- 2004: The Best: Make the Music Go Bang!
Singles
- 1978: Adult Books / We're Desperate
- 1981: White Girl / Your Phone's Off The Hook
- 1982: Blue Spark / Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
- 1983: Breathless / Riding With Mary
- 1984: The New World / I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts
- 1984: Wild Thing / True Love (Part 2)
- 1984: Wild Thing / Devil Doll
- 1985: Burning House of Love / Love Shack
- 1987: 4th of July / Positively 4th Street
- 1989: Wild Thing
- 1993: Country at War / You Wouldn't Tell Me
Filmography
- 1981: The Decline of Western Civilization
- 1986: X: The Unheard Music
- 2005: Live In Los Angeles
literature
- Stambler, Irwin: The Encyclopedia Of Pop, Rock And Soul . 3rd Revised Edition, New York City, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989, pp. 751-754 - ISBN 0-312-02573-4
Web links
- Official website
- X at Allmusic (English)