X
X-Spurts:
The 1977 Recordings

● Previously unreleased 10 track album

Two years before X's classic debut X-Aspirations, the original four piece line-up of Ian Rilen, Steve Lucas, Ian Krahe and Steve Cafiero laid down the 10 tracks that make up this album.  Recorded live in a lounge room on a borrowed four-track, this recording is a potent reminder of their powerful chemistry and a fascinating early glimpse of a legendary band.

Rilen had recently left Rose Tattoo. Having written their debut single, the classic ‘Bad Boy For Love’, he was reportedly unhappy with their reticence to record some of his newer material like ‘Hate City’. Rilen’s new band, Evil Rumours, comprised young musicians Ian Krahe (guitar), Geoff Holmes (guitar) and Eddie Fisher (drums) but they never got out of the rehearsal studio. By December 1977 Rilen had unveiled X with Krahe and his school mate Steve Lucas on vocals plus ex-cop Steve Cafiero on drums. Xstaked out such infamous Sydney punk hang outs as the Grand Hotel, the Paris Theatre, the Civic Hotel and the Stage Door Tavern as their own territory, laying down a sound that was short, sharp and brutally honest.

Unfortunately, X’s momentum was halted by the shock passing of Krahe in May 1978. “As far as I’m concerned, that four-piece line-up of X was the definitive edition, Ian Krahe was a terrible loss that no-one every really got over. He was a unique player with a special sense of melody.” Steve Lucas, 2011

Luckily, after languishing for years in somebody’s wardrobe, the original four-track tapes tracks were found, baked and mixed (on 70’s equipment) and now everyone has an opportunity to experience what just a lucky few in Sydney in 1977 did. Some of these songs would turn up on later X albums, but in much different versions and many are unique to this album. Mixed and mastered from the original four-track masters by Gil Matthews in September 2011

Tracklisting 

1. You Don't Like Me

2. Infamy
3. Slash Your Wrists
4. Runaway
5. Losing
6. TV Cabaret Roll

7. Hey You
8. Revolution
9. Degenerate Boy

10. One More Chance