Top 10 Albums of 2008 - #2
XV - King's X
I can't remember the last time I constructed a Top 10 list that had the misfortune of including a King's X album. Unfortunate, because few other albums stand a chance when compared to the greatest band of all time. King's X is truly a unique taste. Once imbibed upon, one's tastes are forever altered. The Texas power trio put together another gem of an album, eclipsed only barely by a surprise candidate. Details to follow.
The front-most cover of the album portrays a much darker image than the tones that emerge from within. The fact is there are so few bands enjoying what they do as much as King’s X. With XV, a title that commemorates how many albums the Texas trio has been recorded under their moniker, they continue to effortlessly sculpt beautiful and melodic hard rock. Perhaps more than ever before, the distinct personalities of the Texas trio come through in the music. Jerry Gaskill sings a rare lead (“Julie”), Ty Tabor’s smooth melodies are present (“Repeating Myself”) as well as his guitar (“Go Tell Somebody”), and Dug Pinnick’s soul is on fire again (“Pray” and “Free”). Producer Michael Wagener (Dokken, Great White, Metallica, Alice Cooper) teams with King’s X for a second time. Though the music is heavy and strong, the lyrics do not buckle under the production. A focused, soulful album from start to finish, XV is as quintessential and accessible an album for new fans as well as all us die-hards.
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