X

Since X's first two classic releases -- 1980's Los Angeles and 1981's Wild Gift -- were relatively short albums, and since they were also released independently, both were combined as a CD reissue in 1988. Los Angeles/Wild Gift presents 22 tracks of indispensable X. Recorded just as the L.A. punk scene was gaining worldwide attention, you can hear the excitement in the band's inspired playing and fine songwriting. Numerous highlights are included, such as "Johnny Hit and Run Pauline," "Nausea," "Los Angeles," "We're Desperate," "White Girl," and "Beyond and Back." While the quartet's sound would expand even further on such future releases as Under the Big Black Sun and Ain't Love Grand! (touching upon hard rock, to be exact), Los Angeles/Wild Gift contains X's most straightforward compositions. It is an essential purchase for fans of punk, and for admirers of fine rock & roll in general. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide