Going back in sonic history looking for memorable albums…

9 November 2018

Band: X-RAY SPEX

Album: GERMFREE ADOLESCENTS – the band’s debut LP

Released: 10 November 1978 – 40 years ago

ALL MUSIC review: “Perhaps the most utopian aspect of the U.K. punk scene was that it offered creative, articulate young people the opportunity to express themselves, and to kick
up an exuberantly noisy racket in the process. X-Ray Spex certainly came from this wing of the movement, the brainchild of two female schoolmates who re-christened themselves Poly Styrene and Lora Logic. X-Ray Spex was far from the only female-centered British punk act, but they were arguably the best, combining exuberant energy with a cohesive worldview courtesy of singer and songwriter Poly Styrene. As her nom de punk hinted, Styrene was obsessed with the artificiality she saw permeating Britain’s consumer society, linking synthetic goods with a sort of processed, manufactured humanity. Styrene’s frantic claustrophobia permeates the record, as she rails in her distinctively quavering yowl against the alienation she feels preventing her from discovering her true self.” – Full review here – Score: 4/5

TURN UP THE VOLUME! says: To my ears and eyes frontwoman Poly Styrene – born Marianne Joan Elliott-Said – was one of the most genuine, outspoken, creative and honest DIY artists of the era. Not like the many media punks stars we all know/knew, but a great individual with a unique talent and style. May she rest in peace.

TOP TRACKS: The Day The World Turned Day-Glo / Identity / I’m A Poseur

* The Day The World Turned Day-Glo

* Identity

* I Am A Poseur

ALBUM in full…
(#1 – #12)

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X-RAY SPEX: Website