Under the Big Black Sun cover

Under the Big Black Sun

X

Released

One of the interesting things about the Los Angeles punk scene was how many of its bands drew significantly on country music in putting together their sound. This was true of groups like the Gun Club, Wall of Voodoo, and — especially — X. It wasn’t just the retro twang of Billy Zoom’s explicitly rockabilly-based guitar style; it was also John Doe’s rich baritone voice and the open, modal harmonies that he and singer Exene Cervenka utilized. On Under the Big Black Sun, the band’s third album, you hear that influence fully integrated into their sound on songs like “Riding with Mary” and the brilliant “Blue Spark” — not to mention their take on the 1930’s pop song “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes.” X’s first three albums are all essential, but this one is first among equals.

Rick Anderson

Suggestions
Lincoln cover

Lincoln

They Might Be Giants
In the Meantime… cover

In the Meantime…

Viva L'American Death Ray Music
1997 cover

1997

The Plastic People of the Universe
Head West cover

Head West

Martin Zellar
This is PiL cover

This is PiL

Public Image Ltd
Black 47 cover

Black 47

Black 47
Fiji cover

Fiji

Fiji Mariners, Bruce Hampton