X started out as a punk band in Los Angeles in 1977 and touched many genres - punk, rockabilly, folk, roots rock, countrified hard rock - but retained the basic elements of their sound throughout. Although they have many songs I like, their clear triumph was on their 6th album, See How We Are, released in 1987.
“4th of July” is about as non-punk a song as they did, but it is perfect in almost every way. The vocal delivery, instrumentation, romantic yearning and lyrics all nail it. I may have bent the “new wave” rule on this choice but hey baby … it’s the 4th of July !
Enjoy!
"Poor Girl":
And since we are celebrating American post-punkery on this July 4th US Holiday, here is another 1987 dose of awesomeness - from a Raleigh, North Carolina band named the Connells. IMO The Connells may be THE most criminally under-rated late-80s band in history - Their whole catalogue is stunningly good !
"Scotty’s Lament":
I listened to "Fourth Of July" several times *on* the fourth of July...and it got stuck in my head! Great rock song.
ReplyDeleteMD, if you like it, check out sometimes-Xer Dave Alvin’s version as well - sparser, but just as good !
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