Germ Free Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
Silverline Records, 2002
1 DVD
Catalogue #: 2881019
EAN: 0676628810194
UPC: 676628810194
You save: 20%
This is a DVD-Audio disc. The DVD-Audio content can only be read by a DVD-Audio player. The Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS audio tracks provided on this disc will play on a standard DVD player.
The late-1970s UK band X-Ray Spex is notable for a number of reasons. Chiefly, it was one of the very few early British punk bands with female members. Another of the group's distinguishing characteristics is their decidedly un-punk use of saxophone. Most importantly, though, X-Ray Spex's first effort, GERM FREE ADOLESCENTS is a thoroughly engaging record.
Fronted by Marion Elliot, who called herself Poly Styrene in those days, the Spex managed to capture something that many punk rock bands missed. They always sounded like they were having a really great time. Many of the lyrics deal with appearance and perception ("Identity," "I Can't Do Anything," "I Am A Cliche"), and most are quite funny, sung in Elliot's proudly unschooled, nasal voice. The music is based on standard-issue buzzing punk guitar and propulsive drumming but also features Rudi Thompson's clever, aggressive sax. Though the CD mysteriously re-sequences the track listing of the original vinyl, it more than compensates by adding four bonus songs--including both sides of the band's brilliant debut single, "Oh Bondage, Up Yours!" This album defines one glorious moment in a musical revolution and is required listening for anyone with an interest in punk rock from the late '70s.
DVD Features:
Region 0
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
MLP 6-Channel - 96 kHz - 24 bit
Tracklist
X-Ray Spex
One of the most original-sounding groups of British punk's Class of '77, X-Ray Spex used the liberating openness of the DIY movement to explore tuneful, saxophone-driven songs that nonetheless dripped with anger, rebellion, and attitude. Poly Styrene's lead vocals were strident and ballsy, while sax player Lora Logic offered a postmodern wild-card element, one she took to new levels with her next outfit, Essential Logic. The original Spex recorded one classic album, which spawned several charting hits in the U.K., and then disbanded in 1979, after which Poly Styrene recorded a solo album and then joined the Hare Krishnas. The band made a little-heard, one-off reunion album in 1995, but have remained quiet since.
