X

X; Juliana Hatfield
@Roseland Ballroom
New York, NY – December 9, 2005

It is pretty ridiculous to call any one band or artist “the greatest of all time”. There is just too much music and too many artists for one person to proclaim such a thing. But let’s not mince words…if there is one band that would get that title, that does deserve that title, the one band that comes closest to living that ultimate title, it’s X. If the first four flawless albums weren’t enough, the live show solidifies it. And the fact that it’s been 25 years since Los Angeles debuted, and that X is still sounding fresh and better than anyone else, is more proof of their supremacy.

It’s been 20 years since X has played New York…that means for all intents and purposes, Billy Zoom never left the band. And thank goodness. With grace and ease, Billy plays like a madman without ever breaking a sweat. Wearing a Ramones t-shirt as he delivered the licks that made X the ultimate complete band, Billy Zoom was embraced by New York as he deserved. John Doe and Exene Cervenga sound better live and in-person than they ever do in the studio or on a captured live recording. DJ Bonebrake continues to make the case for being the greatest drummer of all time. That’s one claim I will defend to the end.

Tim Robbins introduced the band and came out to sing on “The New World”. Other songs played include: “You’re Phone’s Off the Hook (but you’re not)”, “Johnny Hit and Run Pauline”, “Soul Kitchen”, “Sugarlight”, “The Unheard Music”, “The World’s A Mess, It’s In My Kiss”, “Beyond and Back”, “In This House That I Call Home”, “Year 1”, “The Hungry Wolf”, “Motel Room In My Bed”, “Riding With Mary”, “Devil Doll” and “True Love”.

Juliana Hatfield, who I only unfortunately caught the last 10 minutes of, offered more than decent alternative country rock with John Doe helping out on the last song.