Generation X [Deluxe Edition]

by Generation X

Overview

Generation X's self-titled debut record from 1978 is a bright and shiny artifact of the punk rock era that lacks any fat, slack moments, or serious politics. It's basically bubblegum punk and that's why it's often written off as being too lightweight or too pop. Being bubblegum punk ain't all bad though. Especially when the songs are as sharp, the performances as lively, and the sound as wiry and tough as it is here. It was the group's second crack at recording an album. The initial sessions helmed by actual bubblegum producer Phil Wainman were deemed too slick and went to Martin Rushent to try and capture more of their live sound. The album definitely does have a live, exciting sound. The rhythm section is loud and pummeling, Bob Andrews' guitar is thrillingly raw, and Billy Idol's sneering vocals ride on top of the noise like a cocky cowboy. Idol and bassist Tony James collaborated on the songs and they knocked out (mostly) fast and hooky punk-pop gems that had huge choruses and fist-in-the-air sentiments. None of the words are particularly deep, but they are delivered in breathless fashion by Idol. "One Hundred Punks" is a choppy, invigorating call to arms, "Ready Steady Go" is practically an amped-up '60s beat group tune, and "The Invisible Man" sounds like a Kinks' album track turned up to ten. Along with the flat-out rockers, they stretch out some on "Promises Promises" and "Youth Youth Youth," a couple of songs that blow past the five-minute mark. The latter is a dramatic New York Dolls-inspired epic that has plenty of room for Andrews to show off his frantic guitar soloing. They also turned in one of the first great punk ballads with "Kiss Me Deadly," which features some great guitar parts, nice dynamic shifts, and an almost sensitive vocal from Idol. Add it all up, and it may not be the classic punk rock album of the age, but it is a whole lot of rip-roaring fun and it did prove extremely influential to anyone who likes their punk delivered with a wink instead of a shove. ~ Tim Sendra

Product Details

Release Date:	04/26/2019
Label:	Chrysalis Records
UPC:	5060516092291
Rank:	30615

Tracks

Disc 1

1. From The Heart
2. One Hundred Punks
3. Listen
4. Ready Steady Go
5. Kleenex
6. Promises Promises
7. Day By Day
8. The Invisible Man
9. Kiss Me Deadly
10. Too Personal
11. Youth Youth Youth

Disc 2

12. Your Generation
13. Day By Day
14. Wild Youth
15. Wild Dub [Version]
16. No No No
17. Trying For Kicks
18. This Heat

Disc 3

19. Ready Steady Go [Phil Wainman Version]
20. No No No [Phil Wainman Version]
21. Gimme Some Truth [Outtake]
22. Rock On Dub [Outtake]
23. Promises Promises [Single Version]
24. From The Heart [Winstanley Mix]
25. Invisible Man [Winstanley Mix]
26. Kleenex [Winstanley Mix]
27. Day By Day [Winstanley Mix]
28. One Hundred Punks [Winstanley Mix]
29. Too Personal [Winstanley Mix]
30. Youth Youth Youth [Winstanley Mix]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Generation X   Primary Artist
Billy Idol   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Tony James   Bass
Mark Laff   Drums
Bob Andrews   Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Tony James   Composer
Billy Idol   Composer
Generation X   Composer
John Lennon   Composer
Phil Wainman   Producer
Martin Rushent   Producer
Gered Mankowitz   Concept,Photography
Alan Winstanley   Mixing,Engineer
Gary Glitter   Composer
Steve James   Composer
Geoff Halpin   Cover Photo
Susan James   Composer
Dermot James   Project Manager
Adrian Thrills   Sleeve Notes
Peter Wagg   Art Direction
Adrian Boot   Photography
Ryan Art   Design
Ray Stevenson   Photography
Peter Kodick   Photography
Shelia Rock   Photography
Tracie Evans   Coordination
Mike Lander   Composer