The Best: Make the Music Go Bang! cover

The Best: Make the Music Go Bang!

X · 2004

158 min · 46 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of punk energy and alternative rock grit, echoing the rebellious spirit of the early LA scene.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Los Angeles — This track encapsulates X's edgy narrative style, juxtaposing vibrant imagery with a gritty portrayal of urban life, making it an anthem of the city's punk ethos.
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    The World's a Mess; It's in My Kiss — The song combines infectious melodies with biting lyrics, reflecting the band's unique ability to blend humor and social commentary into their music.
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    White Girl (single mix) — With its frenetic pace and provocative lyrics, this track showcases X’s characteristic defiance and cultural critique, marking a crucial point in their discography.
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    Under the Big Black Sun — This song reveals a more introspective side of X, exploring themes of loss and longing set against a backdrop of haunting instrumentation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • urgent bursts of raw energy
  • dynamic journey with varied pacing
  • ideal for late-night drives
  • visceral sound that demands attention
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long, immersive pieces
  • seek relaxed, mellow vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2004, The Best: Make the Music Go Bang! serves as a comprehensive retrospective for X, celebrating their impact since forming in 1977. This compilation arrived after a decade-long hiatus from original studio releases, showcasing both their classic hits and live recordings that underline their enduring influence on punk and alternative rock.
Stylistic neighbors
The Stooges· Refused· Fugazi

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Adult Books 3:14
  • 2 We're Desperate 2:03
  • 3 Los Angeles 2:24
  • 4 Your Phone's Off the Hook, but You're Not 2:25
  • 5 Johny Hit and Run Paulene 2:50
  • 6 Soul Kitchen 2:26
  • 7 The World's a Mess; It's in My Kiss 4:28
  • 8 The Unheard Music 4:45
  • 9 White Girl (single mix) 3:29
  • 10 The Once Over Twice 2:31
  • 11 Universal Corner 4:33
  • 12 Some Other Time 2:17
  • 13 In This House That I Call Home 3:33
  • 14 Beyond and Back (live, 1980) 2:41
  • 15 Riding With Mary (single version) 3:12
  • 16 The Hungry Wolf 3:47
  • 17 Motel Room in My Bed 2:41
  • 18 Blue Spark 2:08
  • 19 The Have Nots 4:46
  • 20 Under the Big Black Sun 3:24
  • 21 The New World 3:25
  • 22 Breathless 2:19
  • 23 We're Having Much More Fun 3:08
  • 24 True Love 2:15
  • 25 I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts 4:15

Disc 2

  • 1 Wild Thing (7" single edit) 3:33
  • 2 Poor Girl 2:53
  • 3 The Call of the Wreckin' Ball 2:57
  • 4 Someone Like You 2:42
  • 5 What's Wrong With Me... 3:45
  • 6 Burning House of Love 3:55
  • 7 My Goodness 4:37
  • 8 4th of July 4:06
  • 9 You 3:30
  • 10 When It Rains... 4:33
  • 11 Surprise Surprise 2:52
  • 12 I'm Lost 2:57
  • 13 See How We Are 3:49
  • 14 Skin Deep Town (live, 1987) 3:19
  • 15 Around My Heart (live, 1987) 4:26
  • 16 Just Another Perfect Day (live, 1987) 4:34
  • 17 Devil Doll (live, 1987) 4:39
  • 18 Big Blue House 4:05
  • 19 Clean Like Tomorrow 3:58
  • 20 Country at War 4:15
  • 21 New Life 3:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata