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X: The Unheard Music

“X: The Unheard Music takes long, detailed, and often funny look at the Los Angeles music scene of the late ’70s and ’80s and focuses on the group that critics deigned the leader of the underground pack.” Glen E. Friedman

So begins X: The Unheard Music, a documentary chronicling the journey and influence of the band X on the underground punk rock n’ roll scene in the ’70s and ’80s. The film appears to aim to describe the unique nutrient mediums that provided the necessary environment for X to survive.

Excellent Super 8 footage flashes familiar scenes of Venice Beach across the screen, an artist community on the shores of Los Angeles. Complementing the B-Roll Footage are interviews with the band mates and close contacts. Touching on poetic beginnings, industry woes and crucial venues the documentary steers a clear path to forefront action and impact.

“Hippies Go Home! Hippies SUCK!”

The film exults Exene’s full-force vocals that put classmates, alma mater, progeny and posterity to shame. Eye witness accounts of their anti-traditional harmony and “outcast’s condition” lyrics generate a visceral response while watching the film.

By the end I was left wishing for the world Exene had dreamed about ’40 years ago with venues like the Whiskey A Go Go or Masque – holes in the wall, graffiti, smashed up, pink Hallways, and all. A place that cherry picks and grooms an elite society of punk rock movers and shakers. My only disappointment was not seeing it sooner.

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