Album Review

The third X album, and the last in Rhino's reissue 2001 series, Under the Big Black Sun is given five bonus tracks, in addition to fine remastering and liner notes from Kristine McKenna. Under the Big Black Sun was X's most accomplished album, which meant that it had production that was a little more even-handed and streamlined than before (even so, the band still sounded vigorous and dangerous). These five bonus tracks balance that inclination, with the section of the single version of "Riding With Mary." The cover of Jerry Lee Lewis' "Breathless" is ferocious, as are live versions of "Universal Corner" and "How I (Learned My Lesson)," while a run-through of "El Paso" segued with an instrumental version of "Because I Do" is a nice fan bonus. It's another excellent reissue in an excellent series. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi