X - Live In Los Angeles

X is one of the best punk bands ever. I don't even like calling them a punk band, but that's what they call themselves so I guess it's OK. This is musically complex punk with a lot of influences and a lot of tight playing and gripping tunes.This is an awesome concert. The only two problems are that 1) it is just 67 minutes long and 2) John Doe's bass is buried too deep in the mix.Every X fan should get this. More importantly, anyone who doesn't know about X should get this.Why X? Did you know, for example, that:- X has a different sound based on the unique harmonies between co-lead singers Exene Cervenka and John Doe that really sets them apart from anything else out there?- Doe, Cervenka and drummer DJ Bonebrake also play in the country punk band The Knitters?- Billy Zoom, the guitarist who originally formed the band, used to play rockabilly guitar for Gene Vincent and other big stars, and has been voted one of the greatest guitar players ever by Guitar Player magazine?- X were playing Leadbelly tunes way before Kurt Cobain?- Ray Manzarek, keyboard player of The Doors, produced X's first four albums? This is one of the big reasons why the band covered and generally closed its concerts with "Soul Kitchen" from the album  The Doors - Cervenka and Doe used to be married, before Exene later married Viggo Mortensen -- Aragorn from the Lord of the Rings movies?- Billy Zoom left the band from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, but during this time the band still managed to record  X Live at the Whisky a Go-Go , one of the greatest live rock albums ever, with guitarist Tony Gilkyson?As this DVD proves, X is still as good as ever. Billy Zoom still plays standing in his trademark splayed-leg stance with a broad grin on his face. Did I say he is awesome? Awesome.I waited way too long before getting this one, thinking I could do without an X DVD. And I could have. But why should I? This really is worth it, and I'm sure I'll be putting this one in the player more often than a lot of my other music DVDs. Really, really good.

Being born in 1960 really ticked me off...Not old enough to really enjoy or not enjoy those carefree rock/roll, Dylanesque years and awaiting my young adult years was the end of disco or the beginning of something in music called punk....Being a "Stranger in a Strange Land" landed me in the punk scene in the Bay Area..."Dead Kennedy's" "The Replacements" and others were just either playing local clubs or being thrown into jail. Jello Biafra got married in a cemetary..Anywho, I was just shedding my Beatlemania and visiting nightclubs like DV8, One Step Beyond,181, Club X, Das Club, The Edge/Vortex, Face to Face, and Gotham City...I had seen "X" on New Year's night 1990 and being I was 30 decided this was my last year for dancing and clubbing...All the new wave/punk places were being torn down or remodeled for the next generation....That night I was blown away! Everyone in X had aged but still retained that youthful spirit and I tell ya it revitalized me! I danced all night long just like the old days....This DVD strangely enough revitilizes me again and had me tapping my feet, bobbing my head or singing along to "We're Desperate", "White Girl", "Johnny Hit and Run Pauline"....It's definitely not a Beatles concert but the spirit and energy of the times will affect those of us growing up in those times and listening to that loud music....Geez, whatever happened to Dot Little? She's the one who asked me to be a punk with her! If you see her tell her I still love her!

I've loved X since I first saw them here in San Francisco with, I believe, Devo and Romeo Void. Romeo Void was a disaster due to the tiny outfit Deborah squeezed her huge body into; the audience couldn't stand to look at her even when the music was good. Devo was quite good. Then X came on stage and it was like hearing a great music system play compared to a tinny radio's sound. Man, they were great and they, unlike 99% of the other "new wave/punk" bands of the era were pros. They had it down and played it up. I loved them! Watching this excellent reunion video (yes, Billy Zoom still has that same perpetual, inane smile on his face while playing), I was surprised to see very much the same show I saw all those years ago, with some extra songs that came out later, that is. The band's still electrifying. I'd like to see them "live" again, but until then, this video is the next best thing. It's well filmed and has a great selection of their best songs. Sure, they aren't as "pretty" as they used to be, but before you say too much, check your rearview mirror to see how you look now compared to 20 some odd years ago. Then, once humbled, go buy this CD. You will love it!

Just brought this DVD home, and it rocks. Those uninitiated to this great band don't know, but the fans understand, that this is a band that never disappoints live, and I can vouch for this having seen them 25+ times with and without Billy Zoom, solo, and in their Knitters incarnation. The cool thing about this DVD is that it does not feel nostalgic - unlike the recent Blasters DVD (also by the good folks at Shout!). The Blasters were and are a fine band, but one look at the audience on that DVD shows that the thrill is, if not gone, definitely waning. No so with X. Fans are still passionate, the playing and singing are still passionate, like the band still totally believes in what they are doing, and it shows. So, fans will love it, but can this win over some new fans? That's the question. If you love the band, this DVD is a must buy. For those of you with tangential interest, or who love other great bands like The Ramones, The Clash etc., or all of you on the east coast not too familiar with the band, take the plunge. This DVD rocks. Dare I ask....rock and roll hall of fame anyone????

From beginning to end, this live concert is utterly brilliant.The sound quality is high quality, especially if you play it through an amp or receiver.How the heck did I miss these guys in the 80s!

Remarkably, 27 years after they formed, X, easily the best band from L.A., are still firing on every cylinder. Do they really have an average age of about 50? You wouldn't know it judging by this terrific live performance. You can:-WATCH as Exene twirls her skirt!THRILL to Billy grinning (and occasionally moving)!SEE John's tie disappear!NOTICE that DJ is finally starting to age!It doesn't hurt that they seem to be having the time of their lives.Extras are: 2 acoustic numbers performed by John & Exene, and a gallery of Billy Zoom's photos. Of the audience.An excellent release, and certainly worth buying. Just a couple of reservations:1. A bit short, about 74 mins. 2 nights were filmed, and as I understand it they play about 90 mins each show, so why not give us a full show or the equivalent of one? Dvd's can handle more than just 74 mins.2. No "I Must Not think Bad Thoughts" - why not? A glaring omission.Best track? John & Exene's acoustic version of See How We Are; amazing.