Sex with an X
The Vaselines · 2010
42 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A playful blend of lo-fi melodies and sharp, sardonic lyrics evoking both nostalgia and irreverence.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sex with an X — This title track encapsulates the album's cheeky spirit and clever wordplay, setting the tone for the rest of the record with its infectious chorus.
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I Hate the '80s — In this track, the band humorously critiques the decade's clichés while cleverly intertwining nostalgia with biting commentary, showcasing their wit.
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The Devil's Inside Me — With its darker undertones and driving rhythm, this song highlights the band's ability to balance lightheartedness with more serious themes, making it a standout moment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases playful songwriting and lo-fi charm but lacks the depth for lasting engagement.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of lo-fi production, with fuzzy guitar tones and simple drum patterns throughout.
- Tracks often employ a call-and-response vocal style, where one singer delivers a line followed by the other, creating a playful dynamic.
- Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'I Hate the '80s', which shifts from a slow verse to an upbeat chorus.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful irreverence with sharp wit
- nostalgic vibes for casual listening
- short bursts of catchy energy
- sing-along opportunities with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of serious introspection
- prefer lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2010, Sex with an X marked The Vaselines' first album in nearly two decades, following their influential debut, Dum-Dum, in 1989. After disbanding in the early '90s, the band reunited amidst a renewed interest in their music, largely thanks to Nirvana's covers of their songs. This album represents a significant return, showcasing their signature sound while navigating contemporary themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Belle and Sebastian· The Pastels· Teenage Fanclub
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ruined 2:11
- 2 Sex with an X 3:34
- 3 The Devil's Inside Me 4:33
- 4 Such a Fool 2:55
- 5 Turning It On 3:37
- 6 Overweight But Over You 3:04
- 7 Poison Pen 4:17
- 8 I Hate the '80s 3:29
- 9 Mouth to Mouth 3:35
- 10 Whitechapel 3:30
- 11 My God's Bigger Than Your God 2:51
- 12 Exit The Vaselines 4:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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