Description
X – More Fun In The New World – Vinyl Record
Released on August 23, 1983, More Fun in the New World is the fourth studio album by X, the seminal Los Angeles punk band that helped shape the sound of American punk and alternative rock. Following the critical success of Los Angeles (1980), Wild Gift (1981), and Under the Big Black Sun (1982), More Fun in the New World saw X refining their blend of punk rock, rockabilly, country, and poetic lyricism while embracing a slightly more polished and anthemic sound. Produced once again by Ray Manzarek of The Doors, the album strikes a balance between raw punk energy and more structured, melodic songwriting, making it one of the most accessible and enduring records in the band’s catalog.
By the early 1980s, X had established themselves as one of the most unique and literate bands in the punk scene, thanks to the intertwining vocal harmonies of Exene Cervenka and John Doe, Billy Zoom’s rockabilly-infused guitar work, and D.J. Bonebrake’s driving, precise drumming. More Fun in the New World continued the themes of their previous albums—urban decay, political disillusionment, and personal struggles—but with an added sense of melody and accessibility that hinted at their crossover potential.
One notable aspect of this album was the band’s “dictated but not read” approach, a production technique that involved recording the vocals with the same intensity as a live performance, rather than layering them over the instrumentation in a more traditional way. This helped capture the band’s live energy, making the album feel more urgent and raw despite its increased musical sophistication.
Notable Tracks
“The New World” – The album opener is a biting political anthem, criticizing Reagan-era disillusionment and the false promises of the American Dream. With its anthemic chorus and sarcastic lyrics, it remains one of X’s most well-known songs.
“We’re Having Much More Fun” – A blistering, high-energy track that mocks self-destruction and excess, reflecting on the L.A. underground scene with both humor and cynicism.
“True Love” – A tense, dramatic song featuring Exene Cervenka’s stark, desperate vocal delivery, contrasted with John Doe’s smooth harmonies.
“Poor Girl” – A country-punk gem, showcasing the band’s ability to merge punk aggression with Americana storytelling.
“I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts” – One of the band’s most powerful and introspective tracks, criticizing media censorship, punk’s commercialization, and American foreign policy. The song transitions from slow, eerie verses to explosive, defiant choruses, making it one of the standout moments on the album.
“Devil Doll” – A dark, hypnotic track with Billy Zoom’s signature rockabilly-influenced guitar licks and a driving beat.
“Breathless” – A cover of Jerry Lee Lewis’s 1958 rockabilly hit, reworked into a frenetic punk anthem that highlights X’s ability to blend old-school rock influences with punk energy.
“Make the Music Go Bang” – A fast-paced, danceable track with a punchy rhythm section and an irresistible punk-meets-rockabilly vibe.
More Fun in the New World was highly acclaimed by critics, with many praising its sharp lyricism, unique vocal interplay, and blend of punk with rockabilly and folk influences. While it didn’t achieve mainstream commercial success, it solidified X’s reputation as one of the most important and innovative punk bands of the era. The album remains a fan favorite, and tracks like “The New World” and “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts” have continued to resonate in discussions of American politics and culture.
Many artists in punk, alternative, and indie rock have cited More Fun in the New World as an influence, including The Replacements, R.E.M., and Social Distortion. The album also foreshadowed X’s gradual move towards a rootsier, more rock-oriented sound, which became more evident in their later releases.
For those exploring American punk beyond the raw aggression of early hardcore, More Fun in the New World is an essential listen. It captures punk’s rebellious spirit while expanding its musical and lyrical scope, proving that X was far more than just another punk band—they were storytellers, innovators, and genre-blenders.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
The New World
We’re Having Much More Fun
True Love
Poor Girl
Make The Music Go Bang
Breathless
I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts
Devil Doll
Painting The Town Blue
Hot House
Drunk In My Past
I See Red
True Love Pt. #2
