Description
X – Los Angeles – Vinyl Record
Released on April 26, 1980, Los Angeles is the debut album by X, one of the most influential bands in the early Los Angeles punk scene. Produced by Ray Manzarek of The Doors, the album fused raw punk energy with elements of rockabilly, blues, and poetic lyricism, making it one of the defining records of American punk rock.
Unlike many of their punk contemporaries, X incorporated poetic lyrics, tight musicianship, and rockabilly influences, setting them apart from the more chaotic and aggressive punk bands of the era. Los Angeles is fast, loud, and urgent, yet also deeply literary and emotionally intense. Exene and Doe’s intertwining vocals became one of the band’s defining characteristics, creating a sound that was both harmonious and unsettling.
Manzarek’s production gave the album a slightly polished but still gritty sound, helping X achieve a balance between punk’s raw energy and rock’s classic structures. The result was an album that felt both immediate and timeless.
Notable Tracks
“Your Phone’s Off the Hook, But You’re Not” – A blistering opener with sharp, cutting riffs and frantic energy, setting the tone for the album.
“Johnny Hit and Run Paulene” – A dark, intense song that tells a harrowing story of violence and abuse, featuring Zoom’s rockabilly-tinged guitar work.
“Soul Kitchen” – A punked-up cover of The Doors’ classic, paying homage to Manzarek’s roots while transforming it into something fiercer and more urgent.
“Nausea” – Inspired by Exene Cervenka’s childhood experiences, this track is dizzying and chaotic, mirroring its title in sound and structure.
“Sugarlight” – A fast-paced song that blends punk and rockabilly influences, featuring some of Zoom’s best guitar work.
“Los Angeles” – The title track and one of the band’s signature songs, it’s an explosive, sardonic take on racism, alienation, and the dark side of Hollywood’s glamor.
“Sex and Dying in High Society” – A critique of elitism and excess, delivered with snarl and swagger.
“The Unheard Music” – A slow, atmospheric track that stands out for its tension-building dynamics.
“The World’s a Mess, It’s in My Kiss” – The closing song, featuring Exene and Doe’s haunting vocal harmonies and a creeping sense of unease.
Los Angeles was met with critical acclaim, with many praising its unique blend of punk aggression and literary sophistication. Over time, it has been recognized as one of the greatest punk albums ever made. It was ranked in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and continues to be celebrated for its impact on punk, alternative rock, and American music culture.
Helped shape the Los Angeles punk scene, inspiring bands like The Gun Club, Social Distortion, and The Blasters. Influenced later alternative and indie rock bands, including R.E.M., Sonic Youth, and The White Stripes. Established X as one of the most enduring and respected punk bands, leading to follow-up classics like Wild Gift (1981) and More Fun in the New World (1983).
If you enjoy The Clash, The Ramones, Patti Smith, The Gun Club, or The Cramps, Los Angeles is a must-listen. It’s an album that captured the energy and spirit of the early punk movement while transcending it, remaining as powerful today as it was in 1980.
Brand new, never played and in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Your Phone’s Off The Hook, But You’re Not
Johny Hit And Run Paulene
Soul Kitchen
Nausea
Sugarlight
Los Angeles
Sex And Dying In High Society
The Unheard Music
The World’s A Mess; It’s In My Kiss
