The Anthology

X-Ray Spex, “The Anthology” (Sanctuary, 2001; originally recorded 1977-78)
X-Ray Spex occupied the apex of UK punk. A hyper-abrasive guitar/beat grind and Poly Styrene’s maelstrom-howling vocals contrasted against scary-smart lyrics that critiqued consumerism from the inside and a quirky sense of pop melody that recalled the mid-60s while anticipating/influencing the early 80s. Disc 2 features gloriously chaotic early live stuff with soon-to-quit saxophonist Lora Logic’s maniacally exploratory runs battling for the spotlight with Poly.
Try 1/ 3, 1/5, 1/6, 2/1, 2/4, 2/5
7/29/12